NBA Record 3s In A Game: Who Has Made The Most 3-Pointers In A Single Game In NBA History?

Samir Mehdi | 13/12/2022
NBA Record 3s In A Game: Who Has Made The Most 3-Pointers In A Single Game In NBA History?

In the 1983-84 NBA season, teams as a whole averaged 2.4 attempts from 3-point land per game. Damian Lillard, on his own, just attempted 17 shots from beyond the arc in a blowout victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 12th, 2022. 

The way the league has evolved in the last 4+ decades in terms of taking shots that make the most sense in terms of efficiency is quite remarkable. Hall-of-Fame greats like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Tracy McGrady who were lauded for their mid-mastery would now be criticized for taking shots inside the arc but away from the rim. 

Shot charts from across the league are extremely dense around the rim and outside of the arc, with teams in the past 10-15 years increasing their 3-point attempts at astronomical rates. Crediting guys like Stephen Curry and Dame Lillard for the 3-point revolution goes without saying.

Also read: Stephen Curry Spills The Beans On $250 Million Tom Brady’s Retirement Advice For Him

Who has made the most 3s in a game in the NBA? 

Klay Thompson has made the most 3s in a single NBA regular season game in NBA history. He splashed down 14 triples on 24 attempts in a 149-124 win over the Chicago Bulls, with him finishing the night with a total of 52 points.

The number of 3s made in a game has become a talking point yet again is because of Dame’s performance last night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He drained 11-17 shots from beyond the arc and did so in merely 3 quarter. 

He could’ve easily broken the record but was taken out of the game due to a right thigh injury he sustained after colliding with Kyle Anderson in the 3rd quarter. The game was also a blowout so the superstar volunteered to exit the game, much to Kevin Durant’s disappointment. 

Who has made the most 3s in an NBA Playoff game? 

Funnily enough, it’s Damian Lillard who has the record for most 3s made in an NBA Playoff with a whopping 12. He had perhaps the game of his life in Game 5 of the first round series between the Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers in the 2021 Playoffs. 

He dropped 55 points in 52 minutes of play and went a total of 17-24 from the field. Towards the end of the game, he had Austin Rivers looking up at the ceiling, thanking God for finally having Lillard miss a shot from beyond.

Also read: Amidst NBA Finals Rematch, Stephen Curry and the Warriors Shower the Late, Great Celtics Legend, Bill Russell, With Praise

Post Edited By: Raahib Singh
Damian Lillard Klay Thompson

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Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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