Klay Thompson Shatters NBA History with Insane 3-Point Feat, But Two Shocking Reasons Kept Him from Being First

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson has once again left the basketball world in awe, achieving an unbelievable 3-point milestone that cements his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. In a league where long-range shooting has become the defining skill of modern basketball, Thompson’s latest feat stands as a historic achievement, further solidifying his reputation as a sniper beyond comparison.

However, despite this record-breaking moment, there were two shocking reasons that prevented Klay from securing the top spot in this elite category. While his performance was nothing short of historic, these factors stopped him from being the undisputed number one.

Klay Thompson: A Generational Shooter

Before diving into the specifics of this historic 3-point feat, it’s important to recognize just how legendary Klay Thompson’s shooting ability truly is.

A Career Defined by 3-Point Greatness

From the moment he entered the NBA in 2011, Thompson has been a pure shooter, earning a reputation as one of the most efficient and deadly catch-and-shoot players the league has ever seen. Alongside Stephen Curry, he has helped revolutionize the way basketball is played, shifting the NBA into an era where 3-pointers reign supreme.

Some of his most memorable moments include:

• 37-Point Quarter (2015)—The most points ever scored in a single quarter, hitting 9 threes in just 12 minutes.

• 60 Points on 11 Dribbles (2016)—A masterclass in off-ball movement and efficiency, scoring 60 points while barely dribbling.

• 14 Threes in a Game (2018)—Breaking Stephen Curry’s previous record for most 3-pointers in a single game.

• Game 6 Heroics—Multiple legendary “Game 6” performances where he single-handedly kept the Warriors alive with his elite shooting.

With multiple championships, All-Star appearances, and elite-level shooting performances, Klay has already cemented himself as one of the greatest shooters ever. But his latest accomplishment pushes him even further into NBA history.

The Historic 3-Point Feat

In a record-setting game, Klay Thompson achieved something that only a handful of players in history have even come close to:

• He shattered a major 3-point record, further proving his dominance in perimeter shooting.

• He officially entered an exclusive club of the greatest long-range shooters the game has ever seen.

• His efficiency and volume continue to impress, even in an era where deep shooting has become more common.

However, despite this insane feat, he was denied the number one spot for reasons that stunned fans and analysts alike.

Two Shocking Reasons Why He Wasn’t First

1. Injuries Robbed Him of Key Years

The most heartbreaking reason why Klay Thompson didn’t secure the top spot in NBA 3-point history is something completely out of his control: injuries.

In June 2019, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors, Thompson suffered a torn ACL in his left knee. The injury forced him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season.

Just when he was ready to return, another devastating setback occurred. In November 2020, Thompson suffered an Achilles tendon tear, which sidelined him for the entire 2020-2021 season as well.

Missing two full seasons at the peak of his career severely impacted his ability to climb the all-time leaderboards. If he had been healthy during those years, there’s a strong chance that:

• He would have set the record earlier than any player in history.

• His total 3-point numbers would be untouchable by anyone except Stephen Curry.

• His shooting rhythm and consistency wouldn’t have been disrupted, possibly leading to even better efficiency.

While he has made a remarkable comeback, those lost seasons held him back from claiming the ultimate top spot in this historic category.

The Existence of Stephen Curry

The second, and perhaps most ironic, reason why Klay wasn’t the first to reach this 3-point milestone is because of his own teammate, Stephen Curry.

Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter of all time, has completely redefined NBA offense with his ability to

• Shoot from anywhere on the court, often pulling up from distances that were once considered absurd.

• Break his own 3-point records year after year, making it nearly impossible for anyone to catch up.

• Lead the NBA in all-time 3-pointers made, a record he officially secured in 2021.

Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry have spent over a decade playing together, forming the legendary “Splash Brothers” duo. While this partnership has resulted in four NBA championships, multiple records, and unforgettable performances, it has also meant that Klay is forever playing alongside the greatest shooter in history.

Even when Klay sets records of his own, Curry is often ahead of him, making it nearly impossible for Thompson to become number one in certain categories.

If Curry didn’t exist, Klay would easily be considered the greatest shooter of his generation. But because he plays alongside the GOAT of shooting, he’s always fighting to be second-best in Golden State’s own locker room.

Why This Feat Still Matters

Despite these two major roadblocks, Klay Thompson’s latest 3-point achievement remains legendary for several reasons:

1. His Resilience is Unmatched

   • Overcoming back-to-back career-threatening injuries and still shattering records is a testament to his perseverance and mental strength.

2. His Name is Now Cemented in NBA History

   • While he may not be number one, he is now officially part of an elite club of legendary shooters.

3. He Proves That Pure Shooters Can Age Gracefully

   • Even in his 30s, Klay continues to be one of the best shooters in the NBA, showing that elite skill doesn’t fade with time.

4. The Warriors’ Dynasty Continues to Thrive

   • With Klay still shooting at an elite level, the Warriors remain a dangerous team, capable of competing for more championships.

What’s Next for Klay Thompson?

With this historic moment behind him, what’s next for Klay Thompson?

• Chasing More 3-Point Records—He still has time to continue climbing the all-time leaderboards.

• Winning Another Championship—The Warriors are still contenders, and Klay will play a key role in any future title runs.

• Proving That He’s More Than Just a Shooter— While known for his 3-point excellence, Klay remains an elite defender and can still impact the game in multiple ways.

As long as Klay Thompson is on the court, he will remain one of the most electrifying shooters in NBA history. His latest record-breaking achievement only adds to his Hall of Fame legacy—even if two major obstacles prevented him from being the first to reach this historic milestone.

Conclusion

Klay Thompson’s unbelievable 3-point feat is another chapter in an already legendary NBA career. While injuries and the dominance of Stephen Curry kept him from being the first to reach this historic mark, nothing can take away from his greatness.

Fans will always remember Klay Thompson as one of the purest shooters ever, and his journey proves that even after setbacks, true greatness shines through.