After holding the record for most three-point field goals made in a career, Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller is now no longer in the top five. Ray Allen surpassed Miller in 2011, and Stephen Curry (who realistically could hold the record until the end of time) surpassed Allen in 2021. While Curry's record is not likely to be broken any time soon, multiple players have broken Miller's previous record (2,560 three-point field goals), including one who named the Pacers legend an inspiration to him.
On Christmas Day, Dallas Mavericks wing Klay Thompson surpassed Miller on the all-time list and moved him down to the sixth spot. After the game, Thompson spoke about his milestone and made sure to give Miller his flowers along the way, calling him an inspiration (subscription required).
“I loved Reggie Miller growing up,” Thompson said. “I watched his film and game-winners my whole life. He’s always inspired me to shoot the ball and be a killer. It’s just surreal. Talk about times I prayed for. I prayed for times like that.”
Klay Thompson calls Reggie Miller an inspiration
This is not the only time Thompson has paid homage to Miller. After wearing No. 11 in his 11 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, the California native opted to wear No. 31 after joining the Mavericks. Thompson later revealed that he decided to wear the number to honor Miller, whose No. 31 jersey was retired by the Pacers organization in 2006.
Thompson is undoubtedly one of the greatest three-point shooters of all-time. Though he is highly unlikely to crack the top three at any point in his career, Thompson has developed a reputation as one of the game's deadliest perimeter threats. Very few players in NBA history have succeeded as a catch-and-shoot specialist the way Thompson has.
Following Thompson's milestone, it is a good reminder of how much the game has changed since Miller was the face of the Pacers' franchise. Additionally, it makes it even more impressive that Miller made as many three-point field goals as he did during a time when shooting from beyond the arc was much less prominent than it is in the current day.
Miller has not suited up for the Pacers in nearly two decades. Regardless, notable players like Thompson still find inspiration in the way he played the game.
Now that he is officially outside the top five in the all-time three-pointers list, Miller, the five-time NBA All-Star, is sitting comfortably at the sixth spot (LeBron James is seventh on the list with 2,466 three-point field goals). However, Miller does not need the milestones or the accolades to remind everybody how important he is to the Pacers organization and the game of basketball in its entirety.