Klay Thompson’s NBA Record Chase: Who’s Next to Fall?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, few achievements carry as much weight as climbing the ranks on the all-time three-pointers made leaderboard. This season, Mavericks’ Klay Thompson within striking range of Damian Lillard in NBA history has become a captivating storyline for basketball enthusiasts. With Lillard sidelined for the season due to injury, Thompson finds himself positioned perfectly to make a significant leap forward in his quest to etch his name deeper into NBA history.

Damian Lillard’s Injury: A Game-Changer for the Three-Point Race

Damian Lillard’s torn Achilles tendon has left a substantial void in the league this season. After being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason due to the injury, Lillard is expected to miss the entirety of the current season. This absence means no new three-pointers will be added to his career tally, effectively freezing his place on the leaderboard.

Currently, Lillard stands in fourth place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list, boasting an impressive 2,804 three-pointers. With him out for the season, this offers an unprecedented opportunity for the players behind him to catch up—most notably, Mavericks’ Klay Thompson within striking range of Damian Lillard in NBA history.

Klay Thompson’s Climb: Current Standing and Potential

As of now, Klay Thompson sits at fifth place with 2,697 career three-pointers made—a mere 107 behind Lillard. To further understand the magnitude of this chase, Thompson is also trailing NBA legend Ray Allen, who holds the third spot with 2,973 three-pointers made, by 276 shots.

Thompson’s recent performance indicates he’s more than capable of closing this gap. Last season, despite the Dallas Mavericks not having the same level of playmaking talent as some of the league’s elite teams, Thompson still managed to drain 216 three-pointers. This kind of output, if maintained, is key to surpassing Lillard’s tally.

The Numbers Game: Projected Milestones for Thompson

Klay Thompson has maintained a consistent average of about three made three-pointers per game since his fourth season in the NBA. If he continues to play around 70 or more games this season, projections suggest he could add between 180 and 200 three-pointers to his career total.

Based on these averages, Thompson would likely reach the milestone of surpassing Lillard’s record around his 36th game played, which aligns with the calendar date of January 8th, when the Mavericks face the Utah Jazz.

What If Thompson Misses Time? Key Dates to Watch

Should Thompson miss a few games or his shooting dip below his average, fans may have to wait a little longer to witness this milestone. The next prime opportunity for him to overtake Lillard would be on January 22nd, during the NBA’s celebrated Rivals Week, in a matchup against his former team, the Golden State Warriors.

This game would hold special significance for Thompson, who played a vital role alongside Steph Curry—currently the NBA’s all-time leader in made three-pointers—during his tenure with the Warriors.

The Context: Beyond Lillard’s Injury

It’s easy to assume that Thompson’s chase is only possible due to Lillard’s injury. However, this view overlooks Thompson’s own challenging journey. The sharpshooter missed the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to severe injuries, including a torn ACL and a torn Achilles tendon.

Despite these setbacks, Thompson has shown remarkable resilience and a commitment to his craft. His presence near the top of the three-point leaderboard, even after significant time away from the court, highlights his elite shooting talent.

The Next Challenge: Catching Ray Allen

While surpassing Lillard is within reach for Thompson this season, catching the legendary Ray Allen will require more time. Allen’s mark of 2,973 made three-pointers is currently 276 shots ahead of Thompson.

Given Thompson’s average shooting pace and health status, most analysts predict he could realistically pass Allen by the 2026-27 season, keeping his record chase alive for years to come.

The Story Behind Number 31: A Tribute to Reggie Miller

Upon joining the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson chose to wear jersey number 31 as a tribute to Reggie Miller, an iconic shooter and one of his biggest inspirations growing up in the Los Angeles area.

Passing Miller on the all-time three-point leaderboard last season was a deeply meaningful milestone for Thompson. Reflecting on that moment, Thompson shared:

“I loved Reggie Miller growing up. I watched his film and game-winners my whole life. He’s always inspired me to shoot the ball and be a killer. It’s just surreal. Talk about times I prayed for. I prayed for times like that.”

This quote captures the passion and dedication Thompson brings to the court, fueling his pursuit of greatness.

Impact on the Mavericks’ Offense and Future

Thompson’s three-point shooting remains a cornerstone of the Dallas Mavericks’ offensive strategy. His ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc spaces the floor, opening driving lanes and creating scoring opportunities for teammates.

As Thompson inches closer to historic milestones, his presence on the Mavericks gives fans renewed excitement and hope. His shooting not only boosts the team’s chances this season but also sets a foundation for the future.

The Bigger Picture: Evolution of Three-Point Shooting in the NBA

The story of Mavericks’ Klay Thompson within striking range of Damian Lillard in NBA history is part of a broader trend in basketball: the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting. In today’s NBA, the three-point shot has become a critical weapon, and players like Thompson, Lillard, and Curry have revolutionized the game with their shooting range and accuracy.

Thompson’s success, despite injuries and team changes, exemplifies the new era of NBA shooting specialists who combine precision, skill, and volume.

What Fans Should Expect Moving Forward

For fans, the upcoming months promise thrilling moments as Thompson closes the gap on Lillard. Basketball enthusiasts should pay close attention to his game logs and shooting stats as January approaches, the expected window for this historic milestone.

As Thompson climbs the leaderboard, he not only chases personal glory but also elevates the excitement around the Mavericks and the NBA overall.

Conclusion: A Historic Chase Unfolding

In conclusion, Mavericks’ Klay Thompson within striking range of Damian Lillard in NBA history represents more than just numbers—it’s a testament to perseverance, talent, and the ever-changing dynamics of professional basketball.

Thompson’s consistent shooting, combined with Lillard’s unfortunate injury, sets the stage for a memorable season. Whether he surpasses Lillard in early January or later during Rivals Week, Thompson’s rise up the three-point leaderboard will be a highlight for fans and historians alike.

With the long-term goal of overtaking Ray Allen still ahead, Klay Thompson’s journey is far from over—and basketball fans should be ready to witness history in the making.