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The Legacy of Run TMC

Inspired by the RUN TMC Golden State Warriors trio featuring All-NBA performers Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. They were among the highest scoring trios in NBA history. They became fan favorites during their brief two-year stint together, leaving an indelible mark on the Bay Area. Renowned for their high-scoring prowess, they ranked among the NBA's top trios. Embraced as a Bay Area culture phenomenon, they earned their moniker from the popular hip-hop group RUN DMC. Their popularity even extended to regional McDonald's, which had its own Run TMC burger. This dynamic trio showcased a brief yet unforgettable era of high-scoring, fast-paced basketball, becoming synonymous with an exciting chapter in Bay Area sports history. The name "RUN TMC" became synonymous with the fast-paced, up-tempo style of play that characterized the Warriors during that era.

The Brooklyn native Chris Mullin, a versatile small forward, contributed finesse and basketball IQ to Run TMC. Drafted 7th overall in 1985, Mullin's leadership and scoring prowess were crucial during the trio's brief but impactful tenure. Already a seasoned veteran when Run TMC was formed, Mullin's legacy continues to resonate in NBA folklore. Mullin set the ground work for RUN TMC and stayed with the Warriors for more than 10 seasons.

Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Mitch Richmond, aptly nicknamed "The Rock," added strength and reliability to Run TMC. Selected as the 5th overall pick in 1988, Richmond's scoring prowess and smooth stroke made him a key component of the trio. His journey from Kansas State to the Warriors showcased the diverse talents that defined Run TMC's formidable presence.

Tim Hardaway, a prodigy from Chicago's basketball landscape, brought his exceptional ball-handling skills and scoring prowess to the Warriors after being drafted 14th overall in 1989. He was the last of the trio to join the team. His "UTEP Two-Step" crossover dribble became legendary, making him an integral part of the famed Run TMC trio. Hardaway's electrifying style and leadership on the court defined the era.

RUN TMC Photo Shoot Circa 1990's

Don Nelson

The coaching strategies of Don Nelson played a pivotal role. Nelson's visionary approach, emphasizing a frenetic pace and motion offense, laid the groundwork for the trio's success. As the Warriors embraced small ball and high-scoring quarters, Nelson's influence became synonymous with the team's distinctive playing style.

The team found some success during the 1988-1989 season which they featured a rookie Mitch Richmond and a 3rd year Chris Mullin. The team was able to win 43 games in the regular season. During the 1989 Playoffs, Run TMC dominated the Utah Jazz in the first round (3-0) but faced a tough challenge in the semifinals against the Phoenix Suns, ultimately losing (1-4).

The Trio Forms in Oakland

With the draft selection of Tim Hardaway in the 1989 draft, the inception of Run TMC during the 1989-1990 season marked a turning point for the Golden State Warriors. Coach Don Nelson's innovative approach to small ball, combined with the individual brilliance of Hardaway, Richmond, and Mullin, created a symphony of basketball excellence. United by their love for fast-paced, dynamic play, Run TMC became synonymous with excitement and scoring explosions.

 

Queens Native Chris Mullin Stayed with Golden State Until 1997

RUN TMC Golden Era in Oakland

The 1989-1990 season showcased the individual achievements of Run TMC, laying the foundation for the high-scoring era. Mullin led in points with 25.1 PPG, Richmond added 22.1 PPG, and in his rookie season Hardaway contributed 14.1 PPG. The subsequent seasons witnessed their evolution, leading the Warriors to the playoffs.

The 1990-1991 season saw Run TMC became the highest-scoring trio in the league, averaging a combined total of 73.7 points per game in the 1990-1991 season. They finished the season with a 44-38 record, good for the 7th playoff seed in the Western Conference.

In the 1991 Playoffs, they triumphed in the first round against the 2nd seed San Antonio Spurs. Run TMC averaged 70 points per game to take the series 3-1. Chris Mullin lead the way scoring 25.3 points per game with Tim Hardaway contributing 23 points and 9 assists per game.

Run DMC Introduces Run TMC In The 1991 NBA Playoffs

Warriors RUN TMC vs Showtime Lakers

In the next round they faced Magic Johnson and the showtime Lakers. After splitting games in Los Angeles, Golden State faced a pivotal game 3 at home. The Warriors managed to get rap group Run DMC to introduce the team during pregame intros, a decision that may have given the Lakers added ammunition. In the pivotal game 3 the Warriors fell 115-112 behind 36 points from Big Game James Worthy. Johnson was dominant in the series, averaging 25 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds. The Lakers would go on to win the series 4-1. Despite the series loss Golden State's trio was still able to put up 71 points per game between them.

 

Perennial All-Star Mitch Richmond Made 6 All-Star Teams After Leaving Golden State

 

The Demise of Run TMC

The premature demise of Run TMC in the 1991-92 season, was marked by the trade of Mitch Richmond for Billy Owens. The trade altered the dynamic of the team and signaled the end of an era. Despite their sub-.500 record, the trio believed they needed more time to truly make their mark in NBA history. The departure of key players reshaped the Warriors' roster and brought an end to the golden age of Run TMC. Owens, hailed for his potential during his time at Syracuse, struggled to make a significant impact, while Richmond flourished as a key player for the Sacramento Kings. This trade became a pivotal moment, altering the trajectory of individual careers and reshaping the narrative of the Warriors' golden era. The void left by Richmond's departure was palpable, marking a significant shift in the team dynamics.

During his time in Sacramento Mitch Richmond made 6 All-Star teams, he was named to the All-NBA 2nd team three different times. Tim Hardaway was traded to Miami during the 1995-1996 season for Bimbo Coles and Kevin Willis. Hardaway was a featured player for Pat Riley's Miami Heat, making 3 All-Star teams during his 6 seasons in Miami. Mullin wasn't traded until the 1997-1998 season to the Indiana Pacers, where he helped an Indiana team reach the Eastern Conference Finals. He returned to Golden State to end in career in 2001.

Despite its short duration, Run TMC's legacy lives on as one of the most exciting trios in NBA history. The trio's electrifying style and high-scoring performances remain etched in the memories of basketball enthusiasts, forever defining a golden era in the Warriors' history. The symphony of brilliance composed by Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin echoes through the annals of basketball lore, a testament to the artistry that can be achieved on the hardwood. Check out our Run TMC Shirt Here.

 

How The Warriors Run TMC Changed Basketball

Run TMC - The Power of 3

McDonalds Commercial - Tim & Chris Warriors Burger