Klay Thompson Makes His Case: Why He’s a Top-5 Shooter of All Time

When basketball fans discuss the greatest shooters in NBA history, certain names dominate the conversation. Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller — legends whose shooting shaped eras. But in recent years, another superstar has insisted that his name deserves to be included among them: Klay Thompson. The Golden State Warriors star recently shared why he believes he has earned a spot among the top five shooters of all time, and he did so with a quiet confidence rooted in undeniable achievements.

A Career Built on Accuracy and Consistency

Klay Thompson is more than just half of the famous “Splash Brothers.” He is a four-time NBA champion, a five-time All-Star, and one of the most efficient perimeter scorers in the history of the league. His game has been defined by precision, movement, and an ability to erupt offensively in ways that few players in history can match.

Thompson has built his legacy on a unique skill set: he can shoot off the dribble, off screens, in transition, or standing still with equal confidence. His release is among the quickest in the sport, and his mechanics are a model for shooters worldwide. In a league that increasingly values three-point shooting, Thompson is both a symbol and a standard.

The Records That Back His Claim

When asked about his place in history, Thompson responded with calm certainty. “I do have some prominent records now,” he said, reminding the world that his résumé is not built on reputation alone.

He holds the record for most points in a single quarter — an incredible 37, achieved against the Sacramento Kings, an offensive explosion that remains unmatched. He also scored 60 points in just 29 minutes, taking fewer than a dozen dribbles, a performance that showcased unprecedented efficiency. In the playoffs, Thompson delivered when it mattered most, once hitting 11 three-pointers in a single game to save the Warriors’ season.

These are not the statistics of a good shooter. They are the milestones of a historic one.

Performing on the Biggest Stages

Shooting in regular-season games is one thing. Doing it in the playoffs, under maximum pressure, is another entirely. Klay Thompson has repeatedly delivered in those moments, earning the nickname “Game 6 Klay” for his unforgettable performances in elimination games.

From burying the Oklahoma City Thunder with 41 points in the 2016 Western Conference Finals to steadying the Warriors through multiple championship runs, Thompson’s ability to rise in high-stakes moments cements his reputation as a clutch performer.

The greatest shooters are not only defined by percentages or shot volume but by their capacity to change games, to swing series, and to create momentum when their teams need it most. Thompson has checked every one of those boxes.

Revolutionizing the Game Alongside Stephen Curry

Together with Stephen Curry, Thompson changed how the NBA is played. Defenses were forced to stretch further from the basket than ever before. Opposing teams had to assign their best perimeter defenders to cover two elite shooters simultaneously, opening the floor in ways that redefined offensive basketball.

While Curry often gets the spotlight for his range and shot creation, Thompson’s ability to play off the ball, to relocate with precision, and to convert at elite rates made the Warriors’ system unstoppable at its peak. His influence goes beyond numbers; it lives in the way young players today are taught to move, space, and shoot.

Comparing to Other Legends

Any list of the top five shooters in NBA history is subjective, but Klay Thompson stacks up well against the greats. Ray Allen brought longevity, Reggie Miller brought clutch excellence, Larry Bird combined size and skill, and Kevin Durant redefined what a 7-footer could do offensively. Yet few have combined accuracy, volume, and playoff success as seamlessly as Thompson.

His career three-point percentage consistently hovers among the league’s best, and his ability to stay effective without dominating the ball is a rare trait in modern basketball. He doesn’t need isolation plays or endless dribbles to score — he moves, catches, and fires, often before the defense can react.

Injuries, Comebacks, and Legacy

Thompson’s story is also one of resilience. He missed two full seasons with a torn ACL and Achilles injury — injuries that have ended or diminished many careers. Yet he returned, gradually regained rhythm, and once again proved he could contribute at the highest level. That journey alone has deepened respect for his place in history.

As he continues to compete, his numbers will only further strengthen his legacy. More playoff moments, more big shots, and perhaps more championships would not just confirm his greatness — they would challenge anyone who still doubts his claim as one of the top-five shooters of all time.

Thompson’s Own Words

“I’ve never been one to talk too much about where I stand,” Thompson said, reflecting on his career. “But when I look at what I’ve done, the records I hold, and the way I’ve helped my team win, I feel like I’ve earned that respect.”

It’s not a boast. It’s a truth supported by every box score, every playoff series, and every jaw-dropping shooting stretch that turned NBA games into showcases of pure scoring artistry.

Whether fans place him in the top five or just outside it, Klay Thompson has already done enough to ensure his name belongs in every serious conversation about the greatest shooters in the history of basketball. His craft, his championships, and his unforgettable moments have built a legacy as precise and unstoppable as his jump shot.