Run TMC Legends Reunite for Nostalgic Shooting Contest

SAN FRANCISCO — The iconic trio of Run TMC, comprised of Chris Mullin, Mitch Richmond, and Tim Hardaway, reunited on December 20, 2023, at the Golden State Warriors practice facility for a special video shoot highlighting their legacy as one of the NBA’s most dynamic scoring forces.

Despite facing the physical limitations of age, the three former stars participated in an enjoyable 3-point shooting contest to promote the Warriors’ upcoming All-Star Weekend. In 1990-91, during their second season together, Run TMC made history by averaging an astonishing 72.5 points per game, contributing to the Warriors’ overall league-leading offense that year.

“We had a sick run,” Richmond, 59, reflected as the trio started the event. “It was fast, it was fun, and we did it our way.”

Participating in the contest, which also included Baron Davis representing the “We Believe” era, the reunion was streamed online, allowing fans to relive moments from the past. “The slowest 3-point contest I’ve ever been a part of,” Richmond joked, referencing their more leisurely pace in the practice gym.

With Mulllin, 61, admitting to needing a headband due to perspiration, the joust between these legends offered more than just a shooting competition; it was also a celebration of their camaraderie and shared memories from their glory days. “I’m tired,” Mullin joked early on, highlighting the humorous atmosphere.

As the event kicked off, the action split into two brackets: Davis against Richmond and Hardaway against Mullin. The initial introductions echoed with old-school enthusiasm, as Davis humorously navigated a few unintentional slip-ups before firmly setting the tone for the contest. “Guess what, I’m here with Bay Area Legends, Warriors Alumni, TMC,” Davis claimed as he gathered his bearings.

The competition was designed around shooting from three different rack positions, with each make earning one point and money balls valued at two. Thoughts of who would win were raised, and discussions about players’ skills added a lighthearted competitiveness to the event. Hardaway expressed his view on Mullin winning the contest, exclaiming, “He doesn’t even need those on, he can still shoot.”

Ultimately, tough shooting and missed opportunities characterized the contest. Davis struggled initially, landing only five total points. “You set me up by making me go first,” he joked after his round. Hardaway, too, faced challenges, finishing with just two points, prompting laughter from his peers.

As Mullin began to find his rhythm, he expressed confidence before his turn, indicating the level of competition didn’t faze him. “What are the odds?” he said before easily surpassing the competition with 12 total points in his heat. Mullin’s performance would lead him to the finals, where he ultimately scored nine points to clinch the title.

Across the board, the former stars managed to make 42 out of 102 total shots. “It’s like riding a bike … but the bike is kind of janky,” Richmond quipped about the experience. “The bike has no seat, no steering and the handlebars are crooked,” Mullin added, feeding into the jovial reflections on their aging skills.

Reflecting on their legacy, the players expressed a desire to spend more time together. “Not enough,” echoed Hardaway and Richmond regarding their reunions. Their bond has persisted through years, with Mullin residing in the East Bay and serving as an analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area, while Hardaway and Richmond lead their lives far from their past glory days.

Davis shared his gratitude toward the legends that inspired him. “When you have legends who believe in you … you can’t disappoint them,” he said, recognizing the tremendous impact that Run TMC had on his development during his time with the Warriors.

This nostalgic gathering celebrated not just the past but the enduring influence that the Run TMC era has etched into the landscape of Warriors basketball.