Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Star Reigns as Top 3-Point Marksman in NBA

No NBA sharpshooters have a higher 3-point percentage this season than Duke basketball treasure Grayson Allen.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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Thanks to Memphis Grizzlies reserve Luke Kennard, the Duke basketball representation in the NBA is defending its two-year streak with the league's top 3-point shooter in the percentage department. Now, thanks to Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen, the Blue Devils are on track to make it three straight.

Entering Phoenix's Friday night road matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans (25-17) and their pair of Duke basketball products in forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the 28-year-old Allen is shooting 48.0 percent from deep across his 35 appearances (all starting nods) for the suddenly surging Suns (22-18).

That's 0.5 percent higher than No. 2 on the list in the Milwaukee Bucks' Malik Beasley. And it's 0.9 percent higher than No. 3 in Allen's teammate in Phoenix, superstar Kevin Durant.

Even better, as the Suns social media pointed out in the following post on Thursday, Grayson Allen stands as "the only qualified 50-40-90 player in the NBA this season." He's shooting 50.3 from the field and 91.2 percent (No. 3 in the league) at the charity stripe while averaging a career-high 13.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists.

In Allen's last outing, a 119-117 home win over the Sacramento Kings, the 2015 national champion and four-year Blue Devil great matched his career-high and a franchise record with his nine makes beyond the arc, tallying a team-high 29 points. He's the only NBA sniper who has hit nine or more threes twice this season.

Tipoff between the Suns and Pelicans in New Orleans is at 8 p.m. ET.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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