Despite dealing with a bone bruise in his right wrist since Game 1—an injury that kept his availability uncertain until the last moment—Tatum not only played in Florida but led all scorers. The 27-year-old forward dropped 36 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in 39 minutes on the court.

Although it wasn’t enough to prevent the Celtics’ loss, Tatum’s effort earned him a remarkable personal achievement: he passed Ray Allen to become the 38th all-time leading scorer in NBA playoff history, with 2,764 total points to Allen’s 2,749.

Tatum’s next targets on the list include Patrick Ewing, Robert Parish, and Charles Barkley—all within 100 points of him. Among active NBA players, the Boston star now ranks ninth in career playoff points, trailing only LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook.

Jaylen Brown also reaches major milestone

In addition to Jayson Tatum’s performance, fellow Celtics star Jaylen Brown also hit an impressive career benchmark. The reigning NBA Finals MVP scored 19 points, pulled down 6 rebounds, and added an assist, allowing him to tie Utah Jazz legend John Stockton for 46th place on the all-time playoff scoring list with 2,436 points.

Who are the top playoff scorers in Boston Celtics history?

Still young and with many years ahead of them, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to build legacies that elevate them not only in NBA history but within the Boston Celtics’ storied franchise.

Thanks to their recent postseason performances, both players are steadily climbing the Celtics’ all-time playoff scoring list. Tatum currently ranks sixth with 2,764 points in eight NBA playoff appearances, while Brown sits in ninth place with 2,436.

That list is, of course, led by Larry Bird, who tallied 3,897 playoff points with the Celtics. He’s followed by John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Sam Jones, and Paul Pierce. The latter, with 2,843 points, holds less than a 100-point lead over Tatum—who could surpass him in the near future.

After stepping away from professional basketball, Bridgeman quickly transitioned into the business world, where he achieved remarkable success. As the owner of nearly all Wendy’s franchises nationwide, along with his role as a minority owner of the Bucks, he’s built an empire that extends far beyond basketball.

A few months after his announcement as a minority owner of the Bucks, Bridgeman sat down with fellow Bucks legends Marques Johnson and Kris Johnson on the Hear District podcast. During the episode, he reflected on his time with the Bucks and shared his thoughts on the players he faced and other legends in the Bucks like Allen or Robertson, including his NBA idol: Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

“Growing up in Louisville, Dr. J was my idol,” Bridgeman said. “The ABA team was always in town, and we watched him play all the time. He still has one of the most memorable dunks I’ve ever seen.“

Bridgeman went on to describe a specific moment from that era: “It was a game with the New Jersey Nets. Artist [Gilmore] grabbed a rebound and threw it out. The Colonels were on a fast break, but Artist stayed back around the free-throw line. Dr. J stole the ball on the right side of the floor, then took off down the court. The entire crowd, myself included, stood up as he made a move to the basket. He jumped, turned his back to Artist, and delivered one of the most unforgettable dunks in basketball history.”

Bridgeman: The inspiration of NBA legends

As Junior Bridgeman shared his thoughts on his NBA idol, it’s clear that he himself was an inspiration to two of the most prominent players in NBA history. One of them, Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson, expressed his admiration for the Bucks’ icon with a heartfelt message on social media.

Shaquille O’Neal, another Lakers legend, also praised Bridgeman, particularly for his business acumen. O’Neal shared his admiration on TNT Sports, saying, “I’ve patterned my whole business acumen after Junior Bridgeman. If it wasn’t for Bridgeman, I wouldn’t have known where to start.”

Bridgeman’s lasting Legacy in the NBA

While Junior Bridgeman may not have won a championship in the NBA, his impact on the Milwaukee Bucks franchise is undeniable. He was a key player for the team, becoming a cornerstone during the late 1970s and 1980s. The Bucks honored him by retiring his No. 2 jersey, a fitting tribute to his significant contributions on the court.

Off the court, Bridgeman’s entrepreneurial success has also inspired countless athletes looking to transition to life after basketball. His accomplishments as a businessman demonstrate that athletes can thrive in industries beyond sports.

Since there are plenty of topics in which the debate can be discussed, the only thing that really make the difference between Jordan and LeBron is their skills. Both of them have lots of titles and individual awards, but there is a difference in how they changed the game.

However, Allen talked more about the skills from each of them, as he made himself clear his decision in the GOAT debate. On his comments, he talked about the big difference between MJ and LeBron in The Dan Patrick Show back in 2018.

“It’s hard to say if LeBron is a better all around player than Michael. LeBron is probably one of the best passers in the league, but that’s probably the weakness part that MJ had, he wasn’t a good passer,” Allen said. “He didn’t pass a lot, and at the same time Jordan had other weaknesses in his game, but defensively he was just dominant.”

Allen reflects on facing Jordan

After discussing the differences between Jordan and LeBron, Allen shared some insights on his experiences playing against MJ. During the interview with Dan Patrick, Allen was told that the key distinction between the two legends was their mentality. According to Patrick, Jordan had a more aggressive approach on the court, determined to dominate his opponents at all costs.

When asked if Jordan was mean to him, Allen responded with a laugh. “No, he wasn’t. He actually killed me slowly,” he said. “He would say to the coach, ‘He’s actually doing a great job out here, and meanwhile, he was born at 45,’” Allen recalled, reflecting on Jordan’s signature mind games.

Celtics legend went on to share a vivid memory from his rookie season. “I remember Chris Ford yelling at me the whole time, ‘Rookie, get in front of him! Get in front of him!’ And MJ just kind of glided across the floor, got the ball, shook, and scored. I did everything the game plan said, but it didn’t matter,” he admitted.

Allen weighs in on Kobe Bryant’s greatness

Another name frequently mentioned in the GOAT debate is Kobe Bryant. Some former players have even called him the greatest of all time. Allen, reflecting on Bryant’s legacy, also spoke about his historic 81-point game.

“It’s hard to really compare generations,” Allen said. “If you look at what MJ did during his era—I played in between both of those eras—the rules were totally different. You can’t even touch a guy now,” he added, highlighting the evolving nature of the NBA.

“LeBron is a product of MJ, so a lot of what’s in LeBron—in his DNA—comes from Michael,” Allen said in 2011. “For anybody that says LeBron is the GOAT, they’re growing up in today’s era and believe what they believe based on how it feels and what he means to them, and that’s OK. But the way MJ affected the game, man, he had a stranglehold on the league and struck fear in everyone because he was an unstoppable player.”

Allen’s perspective carries weight, as he grew up watching Jordan dominate at his peak and later competed against LeBron throughout his own career. Having witnessed both eras firsthand, he still places Jordan above James.

Ray Allen’s basketball journey

Ray Allen’s path to NBA greatness began at the University of Connecticut, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top collegiate players. With his smooth shooting stroke, elite athleticism, and relentless work ethic, he earned the 1996 Big East Player of the Year award before being selected fifth overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1996 NBA Draft.

He was immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he became the face of the franchise. Over seven seasons, Allen developed into an elite scorer, leading the Bucks to the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals alongside Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell.

In 2003, Allen was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, further cementing his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier sharpshooters. He averaged over 24 points per game in multiple seasons and shattered several three-point shooting records, showcasing his ability to score from anywhere on the court. However, his move to the Boston Celtics in 2007 defined his career. Teaming up with Pierce and Garnett, Allen played a pivotal role in leading Boston to an NBA championship in 2008, delivering clutch performances throughout the playoffs.

After five seasons in Boston, Allen made a controversial move to the Miami Heat in 2012, where he played a vital role in securing another championship. His most iconic moment came in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, when he hit one of the greatest shots in NBA history—a game-tying three-pointer that saved Miami’s season and forced a decisive Game 7. Allen retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made (a record later broken by Stephen Curry).

“I mean, you see the grey hair?” Curry quipped with a smile during an interview with ESPN. “It just means that you’re blessed to keep playing this game at a high level. I thank God every day that I’ve been able to live in this space for 16 years.”

Steph reached this significant milestone by scoring 21 points in the 116-109 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at Chase Center, a crucial win for Golden State given the importance of the opponent and the Warriors’ recent struggles.

While reflecting on the achievement, Curry spoke with the humility that has characterized his career. “The names, AI (Allen Iverson) a couple of weeks ago, Ray today, like guys that I grew up watching, my generation, who inspired me to love the game the way I do,” he said. “So, definitely special. Shoutout to Ray.”

Stephen Curry’s NBA records

Stephen Curry is consistently mentioned among the greatest guards to ever play the game, and this recognition is well deserved. He has been a transformative force in the NBA, particularly with his revolutionary impact on the three-point shot, which has become a cornerstone of modern basketball.

Curry holds the record for the most three-pointers made in NBA history, with 3,910, in addition to holding the mark for most seasons leading the league in three-pointers made (8). His efficiency from beyond the arc is unparalleled, with numerous other records to his name, including most three-pointers in a single season and most consecutive games with a three-pointer, among others.

Curry’s next target

As Curry leads the Golden State Warriors in their pursuit of another NBA title, he continues his ascent up the league’s all-time scoring list. Now ranked 27th, Curry is poised to surpass New York Knicks legend Patrick Ewing, who sits in 26th place with 24,815 points. Curry currently has 24,515 points.

Once he surpasses Ewing, Stephen will be just one spot away from breaking into the top-25. Among those ahead of him are four active players: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, and, of course, LeBron James, who holds the all-time scoring record with 41,474 points.

LeBron James Recalls Ray Allen’s ‘Lucky’ Legacy-Saving Triple

Long before he set foot on an NBA court, LeBron James was already being considered the next big thing in the game. Some even compared him to Michael Jordan and claimed he was going to one-up him.

Whether he’s done it or will ever do it is not for us to debate. However, his negative record in the NBA Finals will always be a stain on his otherwise perfect résumé.

Notably, he was one Ray Allen three-pointer away from starting his career 1-3 in the NBA Finals, which is why some think that shot saved his legacy. Even so, he believes the former Miami Heat star was lucky to have hit that shot.

LeBron James Discusses Ray Allen’s Epic Three-Pointer

“I missed that one, and who knows if Timmy D is on the floor. Does he clean glass? He has cleaned a lot of glass in his career. But Bosh is able to get the rebound over Manu. Ray backpedals, doesn’t even look at the line,” he said. “What if he steps on the line? What if he steps on the baseline? What if his toe’s on the line? There’s a lot of preparation because I watch Ray do that every day, prep like that, but I believe there’s some luck to that, too.”

Under that logic, then every single shot in NBA history has been lucky. We can’t stop and think about what ifs and ripple effects of every minor thing that leads to a shot.

Of course, it’s also worth noting that the Heat were only in a position to come back because James was spectacular in the sequences leading to Allen’s three-pointer, so perhaps he just wants more credit for that.

Whatever the case, Allen’s shot will go down as one of the most epic in the history of this game, and it helped cement LeBron as the undisputed best player on Earth at the time.

However, there has been plenty of talent in the league since its inception. That’s why putting together an all-time starting lineup means you’re most likely leaving at least one all-time great behind.

That was the case when two-time NBA champion Ray Allen was asked to put together his all-time starting lineup, as he had no choice but to send LeBron to the bench.

Ray Allen Choses LeBron James As Sixth Man In His All-Time Starting Lineup

“With a sixth man? Michael Jordan, Magic (Johnson), Larry (Bird), Shaq (O’Neal), and Hakeem Olajuwon. Sixth man? It would be, I would say LeBron,” Allen told Fadeaway World.

Jordan Is The GOAT, Says Ray Allen

Notably, this isn’t the first time that the legendary sharpshooter has chosen Jordan over his former teammate, claiming that LeBron is actually a product of MJ:

“LeBron is a product of MJ, so a lot of what’s in LeBron — in his DNA — comes from Michael,” Allen said in 2011. “For anybody that says that LeBron is the GOAT, they’re growing up in today’s era, and they believe what they believe based on how it feels and what he means to them, and that’s OK. But the way MJ affected the game, man, he had a stranglehold on the league and he struck fear in everyone because he was an unstoppable player.”

Well, I guess someone’s not going to get invited to the next Heat BBQ. But Allen is older than James and he grew up watching Jordan play, and he’s got some valid points there.

Together, the Celtics became one of the powerhouses in the Eastern Conference, making it to the NBA Finals twice and winning a ring. However, their honeymoon was over as soon as Allen joined the Miami Heat, then their biggest rival.

For years, the Celtics’ championship team held grudges towards Allen and didn’t hesitate to let it be known. Finally, they put their beef aside and Allen was in attendance at Garnett’s jersey retirement ceremony.

Ray Allen Skipped Jury Duty To Attend Kevin Garnett’s Jersey Retirement Ceremony

As nice as it was for NBA fans to watch these three Hall of Famers bury the hatchet, it didn’t come without trouble for Allen, who skipped jury duty to attend the ceremony and is now facing a bit of a legal turmoil:

(Transcript via the Miami Herald)

“Allen was among 14 permanent and alternate jurors originally picked in early March for the federal trial of Jorge Aponte Figueroa, who was the only defendant of those charged who had not struck a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The trial was initially scheduled for March 14. But after he was selected as a juror, Allen asked the judge for a favor to start the trial the following day because he had to be a presenter at the jersey retirement ceremony of former Celtics teammate Kevin Garnett on March 13.

To accommodate Allen’s trip to Boston, Cooke set her trial for March 15. But Allen didn’t show up. Her courtroom deputy, Ivan Marchena, tried to reach him and left messages with Allen. He didn’t respond. So the trial started without him, and the judge issued an order to ‘show cause’why Allen should not be sanctioned for failing to appear as a selected juror.”

Allen is expected to be heavily fined for failing to show up to court, although it’s not like he can’t afford it anyway. At least, that shows how much he truly wanted to be a part of Garnett’s special day.

Curry took a weapon that was often thelast resort and made it his go-to way of hurting defenses. Now, kids are pulling up from 30+ feet and defenses are pressuring all over the court to prevent one of those shots.

The game will continue to evolve and it will eventually change again, maybe even going back to pounding the paint and leaving the three-pointer behind. But now that Curry has broken the record for the most triples made, let’s take a look at the 5 players with the most three-pointers in NBA history.

NBA All-Time Leaders In Three-Pointers Made

5. Kyle Korver -2,450

Of all of the players we’re about to mention, Kyle Korver might as well be the most special. And we don’t mean he’s the best of them by any means, but he’s the only one who was out there on the court with the sole purpose of knocking down three-pointers.

Korver became an average defender at some point in his career and he was a willing passer as well. But he was out there as a sharpshooter and for very good reason, as he shot nearly 43% from three per his career. He lead the league in 3p% four times, including a season shooting 53.6%, the highest percentage in league history.

4. James Harden – 2,509 (and counting)

James Harden has never been an efficient shooter, unless we’re talking about the free-throw line. Nonetheless, he’s still one of the best lefty shooters of all time, especially considering how many triples he attempts per game.

Thus far, Harden has knocked down 36% of his shots from beyond the arc. He’s got a career-high of 10 three-pointers made, and will continue to shoot the ball from deepregardless of if he’s gone 1/10. There’s no wonder why he was able to lead the league in scoring three times,as he’s one of the most versatile scorers ever.

3. Reggie Miller -2,560

Even though Larry Bird was perhaps the first player who started using the three-pointer as one of his go-to-weapons, it was Reggie Miller the one who made it popular. Opposing defenses often doubled him on the perimeter, yet he always found the way to pull up.

Miller managed to knock down over 2,500 three-pointers despite playing on an era with a slower pace and a paint-oriented offense. Shockingly, he only attempted 4.7 triples per game over his career, which speaks volumes of his efficiency and proficiency as a shooter. He was a 39.5% shooter from beyond the arc.

2. Ray Allen -2,973

Even though most young fans remember Ray Allen for being an outstanding three-point shooter, he actually had to change his game to stay relevant in the league. Back when he entered the league, he was an aggressive driver that could score from all three levels.

Allen was way more than just a shooter but he mastered the fine art of knocking down shots from deep as his career passed. He snatched most of Reggie Miller’s records and was a career 40% shooter from three-point range. He led the league in triples made three times, knocking down 269 of 653 in 2006.

1. Stephen Curry – 2,977 (and counting)

Stephen Curry needed 511 fewer games than Ray Allen to break the all-time three-pointers made record. To put that in context, that’s nearly six full seasons. That’s how much the game has changed and how far ahead of the rest of the pack Curry is.

There’s no one that comes close to Steph when it comes to shooting. His technique, high arc, quick-release, follow-through, you name it. He’s the best at it. We’re talking about a guy who shoots 43.1% from three per his career despite attempting an absurd 13.4 triples a game. Even if someone breaks his record down the line, Curry will always be the best on this art.

After trying so hard over the last few weeks, Curry headed into Tuesday night’s showdown against the New York Knicks just two three-pointers away from breaking Allen’s 2,973 mark and he didn’t fail to make history.

This fuels Steph’scase as the best shooter of all timeas he also has the opportunity to take off in the list and set an unprecedented milestoneby surpassing the 3,000 three-pointers, leaving Allen’s previous record way behind.

Stephen Curry surpasses Ray Allen for the most 3-pointers made in NBA history

Stephen Curry now owns an impressive record in the league that once again proves why he’s one of the best to ever lace them up. Not only he’s the player who scored the mostthree-pointers but reaching that feat also took him far less than it did to the previous record-holder.

While Ray Allen retired with 2,973 three-pointers after 1,300 games, Curry has already surpassed that mark playing less than 800 matches. So, we can imagine that, barring any setback,his record will be significantly better by the time he has as many appearances as Allen.

NBA’s all-time leaders of 3-pointers made

With less than 800 games played, Curryalready is the NBA all-time leader in three-pointers made and we can expect him to continue adding to that tally. This is how the top 10 of the list stands now:

Then again, old-school ballers may not agree with that remark. For some, Curry is great at what he does but he’s not as great as some that came before him. At the end of the day, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion.

One of the people who seems to disagree with Curry’s GOAT shooter status is the aforementioned Ray Allen, as he recently toldMacklin Stern of CBS Sports that Reggie Miller should still have that distinction.

Ray Allen Says Reggie Miller, Not Stephen Curry, Is The Greatest Shooter Ever

“Steph is more on the ball, the point guard shooter. So it’s a different approach to the game. He’s an extremely incredible ball-handler, so it’s a different mentality when you’re handling the ball and not coming off screens. But I look at Reggie Miller and what he did—run off screens and just the fluidity of the game when he played it. For me, he was somebody I always looked up to and thought was amazing at how he performed his tasks,” Allen started.

“Yes, Reggie [is the GOAT] because of the way he set the game up, the way he played the game. Obviously, I incorporated a lot of who he is into how I played. He was the standard-bearer. Without him, we don’t have a formula for moving forward. So that’s how I view it because it allowed me to do the things that I was capable of doing,” Ray concluded.

Well, coming from the all-time leader in three-pointers made, that’s a hell of a compliment and a massive statement. Curry will still have plenty of time to change Allen’s mind, tho, although he has a big point.