Basketball fans always keep a keen eye on player stats, especially when it comes to three-point attempts. This stat provides a better understanding of a player’s shooting style and frequency. Currently, Stephen Curry stands tall in the NBA with an astounding number of three-point attempts. As of 2023, he has attempted over 8,000 three-point shots in his career. For comparison, Ray Allen, another legendary figure in three-point shooting, had around 7,429 attempts.
When discussing the all-time greats, one can’t ignore how these players have transformed the game. Teams have strategically adjusted their gameplay to maximize three-point opportunities. This shift can be traced back to the analytical revolution in basketball. Analysts discovered that the efficiency of three-point shots, if properly executed, can often surpass that of long two-point shots. The Golden State Warriors epitomized this concept, constructing a team around the shooting prowess of Curry and Klay Thompson, often referred to as the “Splash Brothers”. During the 2015–2016 NBA season, the Warriors attempted close to 31.6 three-pointers per game, which was unprecedented at that time.
We need to recognize the importance of arenas where these records are made. The Oracle Arena, for instance, witnessed numerous historical three-point attempts by Stephen Curry. The atmosphere in such arenas can significantly impact a player’s performance. A roaring crowd in Madison Square Garden has often energized players like Reggie Miller, who famously scored 8 points in 9 seconds against the New York Knicks in a 1995 playoff game. Similarly, modern arenas like the Chase Center provide state-of-the-art facilities, allowing players to focus purely on optimizing their shooting techniques. It’s fascinating to think that the arena itself, with all its modern amenities, can play a role in helping players attempt and make more three-pointers.
If we look closely at three-point attempts, a pattern emerges regarding player usage and team strategies. For example, James Harden, known for his step-back threes, consistently ranks high in three-point attempts. In the 2018–2019 season, Harden attempted an average of 13.2 three-pointers per game. His ability to create space and take shots from beyond the arc has forced defenses to adapt, often leading to more dynamic and spaced-out offensive plays. This evolution in shooting forms and strategies directly affects teams’ offensive efficiency ratings, making three-point attempts a critical metric for success in the modern NBA.
The effect of three-point attempts stretches beyond individual players. Entire franchises have adapted their scouting and drafting processes to focus on players with high three-point shooting potential. Teams like the Houston Rockets, under Daryl Morey’s management, embraced a strategy centered on three-point shooting and layups, eschewing mid-range shots for a more analytically favorable shot distribution. This approach, dubbed “Moreyball,” led the Rockets to break multiple records for three-point attempts in a season. During the 2018–2019 season, they attempted an unimaginable 45.4 three-pointers per game.
Looking at historical data, the importance of the three-point attempt becomes even more evident. Larry Bird, for instance, took significantly fewer three-point shots in his career compared to modern greats. Bird, an exceptional shooter, took only 1.9 three-point attempts per game throughout his career. In contrast, Curry averages over 10 attempts per game. The drastic increase in attempts underscores how major shifts in basketball strategy and rule changes have revolutionized the sport.
It’s difficult to discuss record-breaking three-point shooters without mentioning the advances in training and technology that have contributed to their success. Players now use sophisticated software and analytics to fine-tune their shots. They engage in specialized shooting drills designed to improve their accuracy and range. The use of video analysis software allows players and coaches to examine every aspect of their shooting form, leading to more informed adjustments. These technological advancements ensure that players can sustain high levels of performance, maintain their career longevity, and consistently aim for the basket from beyond the arc.
So, what’s the future of the three-point shot in the NBA? It’s likely that three-point attempts will continue to rise as teams push the boundaries of what’s possible. Young players entering the league have grown up watching the Curry era and are naturally inclined to emulate his style. Expect more players to come into the league with a focus on mastering the three-point shot, leading to even higher team averages. With arenas like the arena plus supporting this evolution, the three-point landscape in the NBA is set to expand even further. Teams will continue investing in shooting coaches, video analysis tools, and advanced training facilities to help their players become even more proficient from beyond the arc.