Klay Thompson Nears Reggie Miller on NBA’s All-Time 3-Point Leaderboard: “I Model My Game After That”

Dallas Mavericks sharpshooter Klay Thompson is on the verge of passing Reggie Miller for fifth place on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made list.

Thompson hit three more 3-pointers in the Mavericks’ 132-108 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, raising his career total to 2,558. The five-time All-Star needs two more to tie Miller and three to move ahead, with the chance to reach the milestone on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Thompson currently ranks sixth in career 3-pointers made, trailing Stephen Curry, James Harden, Ray Allen, Damian Lillard, and Miller. He is one of 10 active players in the top 20.

Remembering Reggie Miller’s Legacy

Thompson’s anticipation of passing Miller on the leaderboard is apparent. After making threes against the Blazers, he counted down how many threes he needed with a hand gesture.

The feat would mean a lot to Thompson, who grew up in Los Angeles admiring Miller during his time at UCLA and while starring for the Indiana Pacers. Thompson even mentioned choosing No. 31 to honor Miller, Jason Terry, and others.

“I watched so much footage of Reggie coming off screens as a teenager,” Thompson said. “His ability to make game-winning shots, that’s the most inspiring thing to see as a shooter. He had no fear, whether he made or missed the shot.”

Thompson referenced Miller’s game-winning 3 in the 1998 Eastern Conference finals against the Chicago Bulls.

“I still have that image of him in the East finals, pushing off (Michael Jordan), curling off the right wing and cashing that 3,” Thompson said. “I model my game after that. You can’t leave me open like you couldn’t leave Reggie.”

Klay Thompson’s Recent Momentum

Over his last six games, Thompson has hit 55.0% from the field and 45.3% from three-point range. His best performances this season have come against his former team, the Golden State Warriors. Two weeks ago, he scored a season-high 29 points against them, hitting 7 of 11 from beyond the arc.

Thompson has found a significant rhythm during his adjustment with the Mavericks, even in games played with or without Dončić, even scoring 22 points against the LA Clippers without Dončić or Irving recently.

“With each week that I’m in this uniform, I think I get more used to everything—the city, my teammates, and our style of play,” Thompson said. “I look forward to getting better with each game. You start to understand where you’re going to get your shots and which spots are your best. I knew it was going to be a process coming in, but I’m happy with the process so far. There’s still another level I can reach, and I think we can as a team.”

Thompson’s Connection with Luka Dončić

A significant portion of his success has come from Dončić’s playmaking. Thompson has connected on 47.5% of his 3-point attempts off passes from Dončić, showcasing their synergy. In the 498 minutes Dončić and Thompson have played together, the Mavericks have registered a staggering 120.3 offensive rating while outscoring opponents by 10.8 points per 100 possessions.

“I’m learning that if you run to the corner or get out in transition, Luka’s going to find you,” Thompson said. “His passes are incredible. He puts it in the shooting pocket, on the seams, almost every time. It feels awesome to be a beneficiary of his greatness.”

Thompson elaborated further on Dončić’s passing ability compared to some of the greatest players of all time, comparing him to Kidd, Magic Johnson, and John Stockton. The passes he makes are ideal for a shooter before letting it fly quickly.

“It’s a small detail, but it’s really awesome as a shooter. Anyone who’s ever shot a basketball knows it just feels better when you’re seamed up,” Thompson said. “J-Kidd passed that way. Magic, John Stockton—they all had that. I think Luka has that same ability as those guys when it comes to playmaking.”

Looking Ahead

The Mavericks (19-10) face the Timberwolves (14-14) during the NBA Christmas Day slate at 1:30 p.m. CST at the American Airlines Center.