The opening month of the season has already shown how important the 3-point shot has become. Teams rely on outside shooting more than ever, and several players are putting up strong numbers from long range. This list goes through the top 3-point scorers so far, according to ESPN.
10. Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) rebounds against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the second half at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesGames played: 17Average 3-point field goals made: 3.4
Markkanen gives the Jazz steady production every night. He averages 28.5 points in 35.6 minutes and takes 9.6 threes per game, making 35.6 percent of them. He shoots 47.3 percent overall and stays reliable at the line at 89.3 percent. Markkanen also contributes 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, one steal, and about half a block per game, while keeping turnovers low at just 1.4.
9. Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) looks on against the Miami Heat in the first half at Target Center. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn ImagesGames played: 14Average 3-point field goals made: 3.4
Edwards is scoring a lot this season, putting up 32.9 points per game in 34.2 minutes. He shoots 47.5 percent from the field and hits 81.4 percent of his free throws and also adds 4.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists. On defense, he averages 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks. His turnovers sit at 2.6 per game.
8. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesGames played: 18Average 3-point field goals made: 3.5
Knueppel has settled into his role quickly. He scores 18.6 points in 33.3 minutes per game and takes 8.4 threes, making an impressive 41.7 percent of them. With 47.6 percent overall shooting, he is very reliable at the free-throw line at 88.4 percent. And also Knueppel contributes 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. On defense, he averages 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks. His turnovers are at 2.4 per game.
7. Sam Merrill, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) brings the ball up court beside Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green (20) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena. Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesGames played: 12Average 3-point field goals made: 3.7
Merrill has turned into a dependable shooter for Cleveland. He averages 13.9 points in 25.9 minutes and hits 44.1 percent of his 8.3 three-point attempts per game and shoots 46.6 percent overall and is nearly automatic at the line at 93.8 percent. Merrill also adds 2.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks. His turnovers stay very low at just 0.8 per game.
6. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) controls the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesGames played: 13Average 3-point field goals made: 3.7
Doncic continues to put up huge numbers. He averages 35.2 points, 37.2 minutes, and takes 11.1 threes at 33.3 percent. His shooting sits at 47.0 percent from the field and 78.9 percent at the line. Rebounds reach 8.8, assists hit 9.2, and he adds 1.9 steals with 0.5 blocks. Turnovers remain high at 4.2.
5. James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn ImagesGames played: 17Average 3-point field goals made: 3.8
Harden remains a strong scorer. His production reaches 27.9 points in 35.6 minutes. From deep, he attempts 10.1 threes per game and hits 37.7 percent. Overall shooting sits at 45.1 percent, and his free-throw accuracy climbs to 90.5 percent. Rebounding adds 5.7 per night, and he distributes 8.4 assists. Defense brings 1.1 steals and 0.4 blocks, while turnovers finish at 3.8 per game.
4. Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) looks on during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesGames played: 13Average 3-point field goals made: 3.9
Allen gives Phoenix steady shooting from deep. His scoring reaches 18.5 points in 32.1 minutes, and he hits 44.7 percent of his 8.8 threes. Overall accuracy stands at 46.8 percent, and his free-throw mark sits at 79.4 percent. Rebounding adds 3.1 per game, while he hands out 4.3 assists. Defense brings 1.6 steals and 0.3 blocks. Turnovers stay low at 1.8 per contest.
3. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic] during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesGames played: 17Average 3-point field goals made: 3.9
He averages 32.2 points while logging nearly 40 minutes per game. From deep, he attempts 9.6 threes and makes 40.9 percent. Field-goal shooting sits at 47 percent, with free throws at 87.8 percent. Rebounds come in at 4.4 per game, alongside 7.5 assists. On defense, he records 1.6 steals and 0.8 blocks. However, turnovers remain low at 2.7 per contest.
2. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) stands on the court in the first quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena. Credit: David Richard-Imagn ImagesGames played: 17Average 3-point field goals made: 3.9
Mitchell is still driving the Cavaliers’ offense. He scores 29.9 points in 34 minutes per game and also takes 10.3 threes each night and makes 38.3% of them. Overall, he shoots 50.3% from the field and 83.2% from the free-throw line. He also gives the team 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists. On defense, he gets 1.4 steals and 0.4 blocks with 3.2 turnovers per game.
1. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center. Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn ImagesGames played: 16Average 3-point field goals made: 4.7
Curry is on top of the league again. He scores 27.9 points in just 31 minutes per game with 12 three-pointers a night and hits 39.1% of them. Overall, he shoots 47.1% from the floor and an impressive 91.9% from the free-throw line. He also gives the Warriors 3.7 rebounds and 4 assists. On defense, he averages 1.3 steals and 0.6 blocks and moreover he turns the ball over 3.1 times per game.
Conclusion
3-point shooting continues to shape the league. Players across positions are scoring from deep at a high rate, and the first month has already given fans a clear picture of who is leading the way. This group shows how important outside shooting has become in today’s game.