Klay Thompson's enduring passion for basketball fuels his remarkable career, as he recently achieved a significant milestone by moving into fourth place on the all-time list for three-pointers made.
DALLAS — It was during his fourth season in the NBA that Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors made a thrilling run to the 2015 NBA Finals. The Warriors, boasting an impressive record of 67 wins in the regular season, triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a gripping six-game series, ultimately securing their first championship of four titles achieved within just eight years.
At the onset of this incredible dynasty, a young boy named Cooper Flagg from Newport, Maine, was captivated by the Warriors' style of play, particularly their fast-paced ball movement and their fearless approach to shooting three-pointers.
"He mentioned to me that he was only 9 years old when he watched the 2015 NBA Finals featuring me," Thompson reflected. "That really puts things into perspective. It's such an honor to still be out here competing at a high level after all these years."
Now, Thompson finds himself in a different phase of his career. Since early November, he has transitioned to a bench role with the Dallas Mavericks, a team that seems to be headed towards another lottery pick this season. Despite being 35 years old, the talented shooting guard continues to show he can ignite from beyond the arc, breaking records along the way.
In a recent game against the Utah Jazz, Thompson showcased his skills by sinking six three-pointers, which propelled him past Damian Lillard to secure his position as fourth on the NBA’s all-time list for three-pointers made. He followed up with another six three-pointers in a subsequent game against the same team and added four more in a victory over the New York Knicks shortly after.
With this impressive feat, Thompson has now recorded a total of 2,819 three-pointers in his career. This places him behind only his former teammate Stephen Curry (4,201), LA Clippers player James Harden (3,293), and legendary Hall of Famer Ray Allen (2,973).
"I owe a lot to Reggie Miller and Ray Allen for my success," Thompson stated. "As a teenager, I admired those two immensely, especially their ability to navigate off the ball and effectively utilize screens. They were known for making clutch shots under pressure, and they set the standard for shooting guards in my eyes. Being mentioned alongside them is surreal. Their games inspired me to develop into the player I am today."
Thompson surpassed Reggie Miller on the all-time three-pointers list on December 25, 2024, which was also notable for being the last game he played with star teammate Luka Dončić. Dončić's exit from the team due to a trade shortly after impacted Thompson's aspirations of winning a fifth championship, a goal he had when signing a lucrative three-year, $50 million contract during the 2024 offseason.
Despite the potentially disappointing nature of the trade, which some might consider one of the most regrettable moves in sports history, Thompson has maintained a positive outlook. Last season, he was one of the Mavericks’ most consistent players, appearing in 72 games, and he has continued that trend this year, playing in 39 out of 42 games.
Thompson attributes much of his perseverance to his childlike enthusiasm for basketball. "I genuinely love shooting the basketball," he expressed. "I was fortunate enough to grow up with a hoop right in my driveway. It was an excellent setup, complete with a sturdy breakaway rim and a large backboard. That hoop provided me immense joy and served as an escape from schoolwork and chores. Hearing the net swish was like music to my ears.
"To think it has brought me this far is incredible and inspires me to keep pushing forward. I believe I have many more years left in me, and it all comes down to my deep-seated love for shooting the basketball—it's always been my favorite activity."
Realistically, Thompson has the potential to climb to third place on the all-time three-pointers list, as he is just 164 shots away from surpassing Ray Allen. Achieving this would be particularly meaningful for him. "Watching him growing up was a huge influence on my development as a player," Thompson noted. "Meeting him during my rookie year was inspiring, and that conversation we had has stayed with me."
Flagg, reflecting on his admiration for the Warriors, shared, "I was a huge fan of the Warriors. They played such entertaining basketball; they were possibly one of the greatest teams ever, if not the absolute best. They modernized the game with their exceptional shooting. Watching players like Steph and Klay was just pure entertainment."
But here's where it gets controversial: Does Thompson’s ability to maintain excellence, even in the face of changes in his team dynamics, signify a deeper resilience among athletes? What are your thoughts? Do you think players can adapt and thrive regardless of their circumstances? Share your opinions in the comments below!
