In the world of the NBA, making history often comes down to the smallest details—those moments when a player surpasses legendary milestones that cement their legacy for generations. But here's where it gets controversial... Klay Thompson has etched his name into the record books by becoming just the fifth NBA player ever to reach 2,800 three-point field goals made, an extraordinary feat that sparks both admiration and debate among fans and analysts alike.
On a recent Monday night, the Dallas Mavericks (more details at Mavs Moneyball) hosted the Brooklyn Nets (check out Nets Daily), delivering a game filled with exciting performances, ending with a 113-105 victory for Dallas. While Cooper Flagg and Naji Marshall stepped up as top contributors, Thompson’s night was highlighted by his scorching shooting streak—finishing with 18 points. Interestingly, Thompson missed all four attempts from inside the arc but spectacularly converted 6 out of 9 shots from beyond the arc. It was a nostalgic display of his signature shooting style: quick release, high catch-and-shoot opportunities, and clever screens, creating a scene that felt like a throwback from his prime.
By the end of the game, Klay’s total in the regular season’s three-pointers climbed to an astonishing 2,801. For some context, he has long held the position of the fifth most prolific three-point shooter in NBA history when counting makes. But what’s truly remarkable is that his effort against the Nets pushed him into a select group of just five players who have made at least 2,800 threes. Looking ahead, he's just three triples away from surpassing Damian Lillard to claim the fourth spot—an achievement that could happen as soon as the next game.
What Thompson has achieved in his career is nothing short of staggering. Most fans tend to focus on Stephen Curry’s mind-boggling total of 4,199 three-pointers, which is nearly 1,000 more than second-place James Harden. However, Thompson’s story is rich and deserving of attention. Now in his 13th NBA season, it’s important to remember that he missed two entire seasons due to injury—yet still managed to carve out this impressive milestone. During his return season, he played only 32 games, which means if we do some rough calculations, he’s averaging about 233 made threes per season over his career. Had he played fully in those two missed seasons, he could easily be over 3,200 total threes now—placing him just behind Harden and dangerously close to overtaking him.
Although it might be poetic for the coveted 'Splash Brothers'—Curry and Thompson—to sit as the top two all-time three-point shooters, that scenario isn’t guaranteed. Thompson is positioned to overtake Damian Lillard and Ray Allen soon due to his current pace, and he’s also likely to maintain his lead over other active players such as LeBron James, Paul George, and Kevin Durant for the third spot for the foreseeable future.
His future in Dallas remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Thompson’s contributions are now etched into NBA history, and his career’s impact will be remembered regardless of how long he continues his journey with the Mavericks.
As of Tuesday night, here’s the current all-time three-point shooting leaderboard:
- #1: Stephen Curry (4,199)
- #2: James Harden (3,291)
- #3: Ray Allen (2,973)
- #4: Damian Lillard (2,804)
- #5: Klay Thompson (2,801)
- #6: LeBron James (2,590)
- #9: Paul George (2,399)
- #12: Kevin Durant (2,266)
If you’re passionate about the game and the stories behind these milestones, I encourage you to follow me on X at _80MPH and stay updated with the latest coverage and analysis of the Dallas Mavericks right here at Mavs Moneyball. The stories behind these achievements are more than statistics—they’re chapters of a legacy that continues to evolve, inspire, and spark debate among fans. After all, what do you think—will Thompson’s journey to the top ever slow down, or is there a surprise still waiting just around the corner? Share your thoughts below!
