The veteran NBA players are cooking up thrilling performances! In the matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz, James Harden, who is shouldering the team in Kawhi Leonard’s absence, made history, surpassing one of the most efficient three-point shooters, Ray Allen. The former Heat guard held the top position for a long time until he was replaced by Stephen Curry. Allen was perched in the second position, a spot he shared with Harden. However, in the latest showdown, the Clippers star managed to surpass him in the NBA list by making 2,974 three-pointers. Now this calls for the question of how many three-pointers the Hall of Famer has put under his name.

For the former Celtics guard, it was 1,300 games to set his record of 2,973 three-pointers, whereas Harden broke it in just 1,086 games. But whom did Allen replace to grab the top spot? It was Pacers legend Reggie Miller, whose record Allen broke while playing for the Boston Celtics in the 2010-11 season. 

Although the Lakers handed the Celtics a tough 92-86 loss that night, Allen made history with 2,560 three-pointers where he shot 45.3%. “I’m just so happy for him (Ray Allen) because this is one of the best guys. He’s so humble, he’s so giving, he’s a great family man and I’m excited. This is great. This is great for the game of basketball. You know why? We’re focusing and talking about shooting,” the veteran analyst said on the TNT broadcast who was also present to witness Allen’s game. Miller, who held the honor before Allen, shot with 39.5% efficiency from beyond the arc.

Interestingly, Allen’s previous record-breaking three-pointer also came against the Lakers. Playing in Game 2 of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center, Allen made his record-setting shot with less than 5 minutes left on the clock, tying Scottie Pippen and Kenny Smith in the process. Then, he shot 44.4% from three-point range. 

At the time, several players were closing in on 2,000 three-pointers, but it was uncertain who could eventually surpass him. For nearly a decade, no one could as he shot 40% from three-point range. During the last two years of his career, he played with the Miami Heat. While he shot 41.9% during the 2012-2013 season, when he won the NBA championship title, Allen shot 37.5% in his last year in the league. 

When asked about his position on the list since Curry broke his all-time record, Allen said, “I always take myself out of that conversation because I have been able to see Dale Ellis, Dell Curry and Reggie Miller. They sit at the top of my list.” He further added, “I am who I am because of those three players. All three of those guys are part of my DNA.” With the Celtics legend appreciating Charlotte Hornets shooting guard, it’s only fair to talk a little about his son’s glories.

Stephen Curry broke Ray Allen’s record

During the 2021-22 season, the Golden State Warriors star broke Allen’s record with a historic shot at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. While Allen made the record in 1,300 games, Curry set the record in just 789 games. That year, Curry shot 38.0% from three-point range with boasting rights of the impressive record as he stands alone in the top spot. Having surpassed Allen’s shooting percentage, he now shoots 42.6% from beyond the arc.

And there’s more! Curry also broke another of his records. For at least seven years, the 2x NBA champ held a record for hitting the most three-pointers in a single season with 269. But way back in the 2012-13 season, Curry advanced him with 272 three-pointers. In comparison to Allen’s 41.9%, Curry shot 45.3% from three-point range that season. The 4x NBA champ still holds the record for the most three-pointers in a single season, with 402 in the 2015-2016 season when he shot 45.4% from beyond the arc.

“He’s done such a great job. And he has such great character as a person, and you root for people like that. He’s getting everything he deserves,” the Boston Celtics legend said about Curry breaking his record.

While Jesus Shuttlesworth likes to keep himself out of the list of 3-point shooters, every one of his 3-point performances has been phenomenal and unparalleled. The most unforgettable moment came in the 2013 NBA Finals. With just 5.2 seconds left in Game 6, Allen’s clutch shot was crucial in sending the game to overtime. The Miami Heat ultimately secured a victory in seven games against the Spurs.

“It’s going to be a shot that I’m going to remember for a long time. There’s a lot of shots that I’ve made in my career, but this will go high up in the ranks,” Allen said.

Before that, he was part of the Big Three with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett with the Celtics which went on to win the NBA title in 2008. Moments like this have solidified Allen’s legacy as one of the most celebrated 3-point shooters in NBA history.