The NBA’s Three-Point Revolution: A Calculated Risk or a Reckless Gamble on the Court?

The NBA’s Three-Point Revolution: A Calculated Risk or a Reckless Gamble on the Court?

In the evolution of basketball, few transformations have been as significant as the rise of the three-point shot. Once regarded as a peripheral element of the game, the three-pointer has morphed into a central tenet of modern basketball strategy, reshaping how teams approach offense and defense alike. This dramatic shift can be largely attributed to the influence of players like Stephen Curry, who have redefined the parameters of shooting and scoring in the NBA.

Historically, the three-point shot was treated as a novelty, often reserved for players with a specific skill set rather than a primary offensive strategy. Ray Allen, one of the most prolific shooters of the early 2000s, averaged a mere 8.4 three-point attempts per game during the 2005-06 season, a statistic that underscores the traditional view of the three-pointer as an add-on rather than a weapon. However, as the game evolved, so did the understanding of shooting efficiency, leading to a seismic shift in how teams constructed their rosters and game plans.

The catalyst for this change was Stephen Curry, who, during the 2015-16 season, attempted 11.2 three-pointers per game, making an astonishing 45.4 percent of them. This remarkable figure not only highlighted Curry’s shooting prowess but also marked the beginning of a three-point revolution that many teams have since adopted. The shift in strategy was not merely a coincidence; it was the result of careful analysis and a willingness to embrace change.

Curry’s journey into the three-point revolution began when former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers suggested he increase his attempts from beyond the arc. This proposal initially startled Curry, who was already shooting 8.1 threes per game the previous season. The idea of shooting 15 threes a game seemed daunting, especially given the defensive pressure he faced as the Warriors’ primary offensive weapon. Curry’s reaction was one of disbelief, questioning the feasibility of getting enough quality looks to warrant such an increase.

However, Myers’ insight was rooted in a fundamental understanding of basketball analytics: the math of shooting. The logic was simple yet profound—three points are worth more than two. This principle became the foundation of the Warriors’ offensive strategy, and Curry embraced it wholeheartedly. During the 2015-16 season, he attempted a staggering 886 three-pointers, a significant increase from the 646 he shot the previous year. The results were staggering; the Warriors finished the season with a record-breaking 73 wins, and Curry secured his second MVP trophy, averaging 30.1 points per game.

The impact of Curry’s performance extended beyond the Warriors. The NBA is a league that often mirrors successful strategies. Following Curry’s lead, teams began to prioritize three-point shooting, leading to a proliferation of players across the league attempting and making significant numbers of three-pointers. This trend has fundamentally altered the landscape of the game, with many teams now employing multiple players capable of shooting from long range.

Steve Nash, a co-host on the “Mind the Game” podcast, highlighted the significance of Curry’s increase in three-point attempts, noting that it marked a turning point in how the league approached shooting. The jump of 200 attempts from one season to the next was unprecedented, and it set a precedent that other players, including Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson, would follow. The current NBA landscape often features rosters with several players shooting hundreds of three-pointers each season, a testament to the influence of Curry and the Warriors’ system.

Despite the newfound emphasis on the three-point shot, Curry clarified that his approach was never about being trigger-happy. Instead, the Warriors’ read-and-react system allowed him to find shots organically, whether on or off the ball. This fluid style of play catered to his natural instincts as a scorer, enabling him to evolve without forcing his shooting. As a result, the increase in attempts felt like a natural progression rather than a radical departure from his previous style.

Now in his 17th season and at 37 years old, Curry continues to set the standard for three-point shooting in the NBA. Although his efficiency has dipped below the 40 percent mark, he remains a prolific shooter, averaging 11.1 attempts per game. His ability to maintain a high volume of shots while adapting to the evolving nature of the game speaks to his skill and understanding of basketball.

The three-point revolution initiated by Curry and the Warriors has not only changed the way teams play but has also influenced how players train and develop their skills. Young players now grow up with the expectation that they should be able to shoot from long range, fundamentally altering the skill sets that coaches prioritize. The emphasis on three-point shooting has also had implications for the way defenses are structured, as teams must now account for multiple long-range threats on the floor.

As the NBA continues to evolve, the legacy of the three-point revolution remains a topic of discussion among players, coaches, and analysts. The strategic shift has sparked debates about the balance between analytics and traditional basketball wisdom, as teams grapple with the complexities of modern offense. The influence of the three-pointer is undeniable, and its impact on the game will continue to resonate for years to come.