NBA's Three-Point Kings: Most Threes In A Game Records

Laurine Miller MD 28 Jun 2025

**The game of basketball has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few decades, largely driven by the ascendancy of the three-point shot. What was once a novelty, a strategic option reserved for specific moments, has now become a foundational element of offensive schemes across all levels of play. In this high-octane era, the pursuit of individual excellence often culminates in record-breaking performances, none more electrifying than achieving the most threes in a game.** This article delves into the history, the players, and the sheer audacity behind setting the benchmark for three-pointers in a single NBA contest, exploring what it takes to etch one's name into the annals of basketball history. The three-point line, introduced to the NBA in the 1979-80 season, initially saw limited use. Coaches and players were hesitant to embrace a shot that was considered lower percentage, preferring the safety of two-point attempts closer to the basket. However, as analytical approaches gained traction and the talent pool of shooters expanded, the league witnessed a paradigm shift. Today, the three-point shot is not just a weapon; it's the primary engine of many offenses, stretching defenses, creating space, and leading to some of the most memorable individual scoring explosions. The record for the **most threes in a game** stands as a testament to this evolution, celebrating the ultimate display of long-range marksmanship. *** ## Table of Contents * [The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot](#the-evolution-of-the-three-point-shot) * [Setting the Standard: The Current Record for Most Threes in a Game](#setting-the-standard-the-current-record-for-most-threes-in-a-game) * [Klay Thompson: A Deep Dive into His Record-Breaking Night](#klay-thompson-a-deep-dive-into-his-record-breaking-night) * [Biographical Sketch: Klay Thompson](#biographical-sketch-klay-thompson) * [The Anatomy of a Record-Setting Performance](#the-anatomy-of-a-record-setting-performance) * [The Elite Club: Other Players with Remarkable Three-Point Outbursts](#the-elite-club-other-players-with-remarkable-three-point-outbursts) * [Damian Lillard's Explosive Night](#damian-lillards-explosive-night) * [Stephen Curry's Unrivaled Consistency](#stephen-currys-unrivaled-consistency) * [Beyond the Box Score: The Impact of High-Volume Three-Point Shooting](#beyond-the-box-score-the-impact-of-high-volume-three-point-shooting) * [The Strategy Behind the Shots: How Teams Enable Record-Breaking Nights](#the-strategy-behind-the-shots-how-teams-enable-record-breaking-nights) * [Future Prospects: Who Could Break the "Most Threes in a Game" Record Next?](#future-prospects-who-could-break-the-most-threes-in-a-game-record-next) * [Mastering the Arc: Training and Mindset of Elite Shooters](#mastering-the-arc-training-and-mindset-of-elite-shooters) *** ## The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot Before the three-point line became a staple, basketball was primarily an inside-out game. Centers and power forwards dominated the paint, and mid-range jumpers were the preferred perimeter shot. The ABA (American Basketball Association) first introduced the three-point line in 1967 as a way to add excitement and open up the game, and its success eventually led to its adoption by the NBA. However, even after its introduction in the NBA in 1979-80, it took time for teams to fully embrace it. Early adopters like Larry Bird and Dale Ellis showed its potential, but it wasn't until the turn of the millennium, and especially in the last decade, that the three-point shot truly exploded. Coaches like Don Nelson and Mike D'Antoni, and later Steve Kerr and Mike Budenholzer, championed offensive systems that prioritized spacing and three-point attempts. The analytics movement further solidified this trend, demonstrating that a three-point shot, even at a slightly lower percentage, yields more points per possession than a two-point shot. This fundamental shift in strategy has led to an unprecedented volume of three-point attempts, naturally increasing the likelihood of individual players having historic shooting nights and setting new records for the **most threes in a game**. The modern NBA game is faster, more fluid, and heavily reliant on long-range accuracy, making the three-point specialist one of the most valuable archetypes in the league. ## Setting the Standard: The Current Record for Most Threes in a Game The current record for the **most threes in a game** in NBA history is an astounding 14, a feat achieved by one of the league's most prolific and clutch shooters. This record is not merely about volume; it's about efficiency and the ability to maintain a scorching hot hand under pressure. While many players have had incredible shooting nights, reaching this pinnacle requires a unique blend of skill, opportunity, and perhaps a touch of magic. The player who holds this incredible record is Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. His performance on October 29, 2018, against the Chicago Bulls, was nothing short of legendary. He broke the previous record of 13, held by his teammate Stephen Curry, showcasing the Golden State Warriors' revolutionary approach to three-point shooting. This record is a testament to the offensive firepower that the Warriors, particularly their "Splash Brothers" duo, brought to the league, fundamentally altering how teams approach offense. ## Klay Thompson: A Deep Dive into His Record-Breaking Night Klay Thompson's 14 three-pointers in a single game is a performance that will be replayed and studied for years to come. It wasn't just the number of threes, but the manner in which they were made – often in rapid succession, demoralizing the opponent and igniting his team. This night solidified his status as one of the purest shooters the game has ever seen. ### Biographical Sketch: Klay Thompson | Category | Details The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot * Setting the Standard: The Current Record for Most Threes in a Game * Klay Thompson: A Deep Dive into His Record-Breaking Night * Biographical Sketch: Klay Thompson * The Anatomy of a Record-Setting Performance * The Elite Club: Other Players with Remarkable Three-Point Outbursts * Damian Lillard's Explosive Night * Stephen Curry's Unrivaled Consistency * Beyond the Box Score: The Impact of High-Volume Three-Point Shooting * The Strategy Behind the Shots: How Teams Enable Record-Breaking Nights * Future Prospects: Who Could Break the "Most Threes in a Game" Record Next? * Mastering the Arc: Training and Mindset of Elite Shooters ### The Anatomy of a Record-Setting Performance On October 29, 2018, the Golden State Warriors faced the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. From the opening tip, Klay Thompson was locked in. He started the game with a three-pointer in the first minute and never looked back. What made his performance particularly remarkable was his efficiency and speed. He hit his 14th three-pointer with 4:53 remaining in the third quarter, meaning he broke the record in less than three full quarters of play. He finished the game with 52 points on just 29 minutes of action, shooting an incredible 14-of-24 from beyond the arc. Thompson's shooting form is often described as textbook – fluid, consistent, and quick. On this night, every shot seemed to find the bottom of the net, regardless of defensive pressure. His teammates actively sought him out, recognizing his historic rhythm. This game wasn't just about Klay's individual brilliance; it was a perfect storm of a player entering a flow state, a team committed to feeding the hot hand, and an opponent unable to stem the tide. The fact that he achieved the **most threes in a game** while barely playing in the fourth quarter underscores the sheer dominance of his performance. It wasn't a stat-padding effort; it was a pure, unadulterated shooting clinic. ## The Elite Club: Other Players with Remarkable Three-Point Outbursts While Klay Thompson holds the record for the **most threes in a game**, he is not alone in having historic shooting nights. Several other players have come remarkably close, demonstrating the growing prevalence of high-volume three-point shooting in the modern NBA. These players, often