Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant and the NBA's Top Five Pure Shooters

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PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 28: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics attempts a three point shot over Vince Carter #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game at US Airways Center on January 28, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 88-71. NO

Ray Allen with perfect jump shot form
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Pure shooters in the NBA are vital to any team's success. Every team needs a player who you can rely on to hit that big three in the clutch or nail the tough shot with a hand in their face.

Some players make up for lack of athletic ability through their shooting prowess, or simply just have a natural jump shot which complements their inside game.

Either way, who are the league's top five shooters with deadly accuracy?

5. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 30: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ford Center on January 30, 2011 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is

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A born scorer, with a deadly jump shot from outside, adding to his arsenal that defenders have nightmares about.

His threat to drive and finish at the rim can force defenders to sag off him slightly, giving him room to elevate and release a jumper for two.

Standing at 6'10" with a huge wingspan, he is almost impossible to block, making him a top five shooting threat in the NBA.

4. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 24: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors stands at midcourt during their game against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena on January 24, 2011 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

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Shooting runs in the Curry genes.

Stephen's father, Dell Curry, was one of the NBA's most deadly shooters in his prime at Charlotte. Stephen, the second year guard out of Davidson, was one of the most prolific scorers in college, and this can be attributed to his deadly outside shooting stroke.

Curry makes up for his lack of size by having a lightning quick release, helping him avoid potential blocks. Only in his second season in the NBA, look for Curry to improve in his ranking as a shooter in coming years.

3. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 17: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on February 17, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mavericks defeated the Suns 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly ackno

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You'll be hard pressed to find a better seven-footer who can shoot anywhere near as well as this man.

His shooting arsenal is on par with elite guards in the NBA. His signature fadeaway is arguably the most deadly weapon in the game, and is nearly un-defendable.

Nowitzki's height gives him an unfair advantage over any defender trying to stop him. Couple his silky smooth jump shot with his length and capacity to block shots, as well as his performance in the clutch, and you have one of the most complete scoring packages in the NBA.

2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 08: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits for game introductions to face the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 8, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

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Kobe is Kobe.

It goes without saying that he is one of the best scorers to ever play the game, and will be forever known as one of the best 'clutch' performers in the NBA. Bryant has perfect form in his jump shot, and a fundamentally sound technique, coupled with sublime ability results in the second most deadly shooter in the NBA.

Kobe can hit shots from almost anywhere on the court, and his signature fadeaway has defenders looking silly.

1. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 21: Ray Allen #20 of the Boston Celtics smiles on the baseline as teammate Kevin Garnett shoots a free throw in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz on January 21, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defea

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Was there ever a doubt?

Ray Allen is one of the best, if not the best, shooters in NBA history. Recently surpassing Reggie Miller on the all-time three-pointers made list, Ray Allen has shown that the statistics don't lie.

His jump shot is picture perfect.

He has made a living out of coming off screens for jump shots that will make you pay if you give him any daylight. Down by three points needing a three to tie the game, I'd put my money on the greatest shooter in the game to get the job done every time.

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