Tim Hardaway Jr. just made NBA history. The 33-year-old reached the 20th spot on the all-time three-pointers list. He surpassed Dirk Nowitzki in brilliant fashion.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Career 3-Pointers: Hardaway now has 1,984 made threes in his career
- Record Date: The milestone came on January 31, 2026 vs the Clippers
- This Season: He’s averaging 2.9 threes per game in 2025-26
- Current Team: Playing for the Denver Nuggets after strong years with Detroit
From Bench Role to All-Time Excellence
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Hardaway Jr. continues to prove his value as a veteran sharpshooter. He provides Denver crucial floor-spacing off the bench. The Nuggets have unlocked his potential by featuring him in high-volume shooting opportunities.
His path to this milestone shows incredible longevity and consistency. Starting with the New York Knicks in 2013, he transformed into one of basketball’s most reliable snipers over 12 seasons.
Historic Milestone Against Dirk Nowitzki Legacy
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Surpassing Dirk Nowitzki places Hardaway Jr. in rarified company. Nowitzki, who spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks, finished with 1,982 threes. The passing of the torch represents generational change in NBA shooting excellence.
Hardaway Jr. himself spent five seasons with Dallas, where he helped establish himself as one of the league’s most feared shooters. That connection makes this milestone particularly meaningful.
A Look at the Record-Breaking Game
| Fact | Detail |
| Opponent | LA Clippers |
| Date | January 30, 2026 |
| Points Scored | 22 points in 25 minutes |
| 3-Pointers Made | 4 threes (record-breaker 4th of game) |
“With his 4th 3PM of the game, Tim Hardaway Jr. moves into 20th-place on the all-time 3PM list. He passes Dirk Nowitzki.”
— NBA Official, X and social media post
Season Performance Shows Hot Form
The 2025-26 season has been a career renaissance for Hardaway Jr. He’s connecting on 40.8% from three while averaging 14.1 points per contest. His 2.9 threes per game ranks among league leaders for volume shooters.
Playing alongside Nikola Jokic in Denver has elevated his efficiency. The MVP-caliber point guard creates driving lanes that open perimeter shooting opportunities. Hardaway Jr. attacks these chances with the precision of a veteran.
What Does This Achievement Mean for the NBA Three-Point Era?
This record symbolizes how the modern NBA has evolved around long-range shooting. The three-pointer has become the currency of basketball success. Hardaway Jr.’s path into the top-20 all-time represents the new standard of excellence.
Only four shooters remain ahead of him in this exclusive club. Each represents a different era of the game. Stephen Curry leads with over 4,200 made threes, reshaping expectations forever. Will Hardaway Jr. keep climbing, or has he found his permanent place in history?
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.