Top 5 NBA players with most 3-pointers in a game in Olympics basketball
In today's basketball age, there are several players capable of hitting shots from beyond the arc at an efficient rate, which has also been evident in the Olympics. Nowadays, the sport has emphasized the importance of excellent spacing and positionless basketball, allowing 3-point shooters to showcase their marksmanship.
From Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony to Suns' Kevin Durant, there have been five players in USA Basketball's history who have converted the most number of shots from 3-point range. Not only are the athletes on this list elite shooters from deep range but are some of the most prominent scorers in NBA history.
NBA players are no strangers to shooting from long range on the court, which makes no difference once they step foot on the international stage.
The top 5 NBA players who made the most number of 3-pointers in an Olympics game
#5. Kobe Bryant - six made 3-pointers against Australia (2012)
In the 2012 Olympics, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant converted six 3-pointers for a 20-point outing against Australia. He shot 60.0% from 3-point range, which helped Team USA secure a dominant 119-86 victory. Despite not being the most efficient marksman from deep, the "Black Mamba" is more than capable of showing his capabilities from that range.
#4. Damian Lillard - seven made 3-pointers against Iran (2021)
Against Iran in the 2020 Olympics, Damian Lillard poured it on with seven 3-pointers for USA Basketball. The efficiency was sharp as expected from someone like him as he shot 53.8%. In his NBA career, he is a career 37.1% shooter from beyond the arc.
#3. Klay Thompson - seven made 3-pointers against France (2016)
Listed third on the list is Warriors legend Klay Thompson, who made seven 3-pointers in the 2016 Olympics against France. He shot 53.8% from beyond the arc, as he finished with 30 points for the game. Similar to Steph Curry, Thompson is regarded as one of the premier marksmen from deep in league history.
#2. Kevin Durant - eight made 3-pointers against Argentina (2012)
Regarded as one of the best basketball performers for Team USA, Kevin Durant's Olympic debut in 2012 was nothing short of spectacular. In a game against Argentina, Durant put up 28 points, making eight 3s for an incredible 80.0% shooting.
#1. Carmelo Anthony - 10 made 3-pointers against Nigeria (2012)
Similar to Durant, Carmelo Anthony also has one of the strongest USA Basketball resumes. Anthony holds the record for the most number of 3s made in an Olympics game. During Team USA's matchup against Nigeria, he put on a show with his 37-point performance and knocked down 10 3s in the process.