James Harden, the veteran star of the LA Clippers, has continued to make an impact in his two years with the team, even though he is far from the explosive scorer he once was. At 35 years old, Harden may no longer be posting the 36-point-per-game performances he was known for in his prime, but his experience and playmaking abilities have proven invaluable. With his leadership and sharp shooting, Harden has helped propel the Clippers to a solid 15-12 record this season.
Meanwhile, Klay Thompson, who previously played alongside Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors, is on the brink of a significant milestone in his career. Thompson is just 12 three-pointers away from surpassing the legendary Reggie Miller to claim the fifth spot on the NBA’s all-time three-point shooting list. This milestone comes at an exciting time, as the Mavericks, with Thompson leading their charge, will face off against Harden’s Clippers in two games, on Thursday and Saturday. These games could potentially see Thompson pass Miller, doing so in a matchup against Harden, one of the top five all-time three-point shooters himself.
Ahead of Thompson’s historic opportunity, Curry, his former teammate, shared his thoughts on the matter, highlighting the bond shared among the best shooters of their generation. “I’m sure at some point, I don’t know what the margin is, I’m sure [Thompson] will be top three at some point if he stays healthy,” Curry said. “I think it’s only fitting that me, James, and Klay, at the end of our careers are one, two, three at some point. If that can happen, that would be beautiful. We’ll pass the baton off to the next generation of guys that’ll probably be trying to catch us when it’s all set and done.”
Curry’s vision for the future of the three-point shooting record is clear: he wants to see himself, Harden, and Thompson at the top of the leaderboard. Such a scenario would mark an unforgettable era of shooters in the NBA, with these three as the undeniable leaders. While it remains unlikely that Thompson will surpass Miller during Thursday’s game, it would certainly be poetic if he were to do so against Harden, who has long been one of the most prolific three-point shooters in the league.
James Harden currently ranks second on the all-time list for three-pointers made, just behind Curry. The two have been instrumental in reshaping the NBA’s landscape with their deep shooting, fundamentally changing the way the game is played. Their long-range shooting has opened the door for other sharpshooters to follow in their footsteps, pushing the evolution of the game towards a more perimeter-oriented style.
The impact of Curry, Harden, and Thompson goes beyond just breaking records. Their style of play has ushered in a new era of basketball, where shooting from beyond the arc is not only encouraged but is often the key to a team’s success. Curry’s unmatched shooting range, Harden’s ability to score from anywhere on the floor, and Thompson’s deadly accuracy have all contributed to the growing importance of three-point shooting in the modern NBA.
As these three players near the end of their careers, the basketball world is already beginning to see the next generation of sharpshooters emerging. Players like Luka Dončić, Trae Young, and others are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an elite shooter in today’s league. However, it is hard to ignore the legacy that Harden, Curry, and Thompson have already cemented. Their names will forever be associated with the rise of the three-point shot as one of the most important aspects of the modern game.
Harden, in particular, has been a key figure in this transformation. His ability to create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates has made him one of the most dangerous players in the league. Though his scoring average has decreased in recent years, his court vision and ability to facilitate offense are still elite. As he continues to climb the all-time three-point list, Harden is not just proving his scoring ability but his versatility and understanding of the game.
While Harden has contributed greatly to the Clippers’ success, it is clear that the spotlight is now shifting towards the younger generation of players who will eventually take over the mantle. Nevertheless, the influence of Harden, Curry, and Thompson on the game will continue to be felt for years to come.
For Thompson, the opportunity to move into the fifth spot on the all-time three-point list is a significant achievement, but it also serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. After enduring significant injuries that threatened to derail his career, Thompson has made a remarkable comeback, regaining his form as one of the league’s premier shooters. His partnership with Curry during their time with the Warriors has been a defining feature of the NBA over the past decade, and Thompson’s journey back to prominence is a story of perseverance that many fans admire.
With Curry’s leadership and guidance, both Thompson and Harden have been able to continue playing at a high level, even as they age. Curry’s remarks about the potential for all three of them to finish their careers as the top three three-point shooters is a fitting reflection of their collective impact on the game. Whether or not this happens, the legacy of Curry, Harden, and Thompson will undoubtedly shape the future of basketball, inspiring the next generation of players to push the limits of what is possible on the court.
In conclusion, the evolution of the three-point shot in the NBA can be traced back to the efforts of players like Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Klay Thompson. Their individual journeys and accomplishments have redefined what it means to be a shooter in the modern game, and their influence will be felt for years to come. As Thompson moves closer to passing Reggie Miller, it is clear that these players have not only shaped the present but also paved the way for the future of the game. Whether or not they finish as the top three all-time three-point shooters, their impact is undeniable.
