When discussing the NBA’s all-time great shooters, you can’t ignore three-point records. The three-point shot transformed basketball, adding a dynamic element that all high-scoring games now feature. The modern NBA places a premium on the long ball, and the record books reflect that perfectly.
Take Stephen Curry, for example. Curry revolutionized the game, making the three-point shot a lethal weapon. As of the 2022-2023 NBA season, he holds the record with 3,281 made three-pointers. Curry’s shooting style combines quick release, impeccable timing, and pinpoint accuracy, all of which translate into his phenomenal shooting percentages. Around 42.8% from beyond the arc, to be exact. This is phenomenal considering he attempts around 11 shots from long range per game.
Not far behind is Ray Allen, a previous record-holder who now stands second with 2,973 three-pointers made. Allen’s shooting was the epitome of consistency, helped by his tireless work ethic and impeccable form. During his peak years in the early 2000s, Allen’s shooting percentages hovered around 39.5%, making him one of the most reliable shooters in NBA history. His iconic game-winning three in the 2013 NBA Finals showcased the true potential and impact of a well-executed three-point shot.
James Harden also gets a mention with 2,593 made three-pointers, positioning himself as one of the premier scorers of his generation. His step-back three-pointer became almost impossible to defend, thanks to his combination of footwork and accuracy. Harden’s ability to score consistently from beyond the arc makes him a highly valuable asset, even when he’s marked closely by defenders.
Reggie Miller, another name synonymous with long-distance shooting, made 2,560 three-pointers during his illustrious career. He excelled particularly in high-pressure situations, exhibiting his sharpshooting skills during important playoff moments. Recognized for his clutch gene, Miller’s shot-making ability made him a constant threat. His career three-point shooting percentage of 39.5% substantiates his place among the top long-range shooters.
In more recent years, players like Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson have made significant strides in climbing the three-point ladder. Lillard boasts 2,051 made three-pointers, and Thompson closely follows with 1,912, despite missing significant time due to injuries. Both players excel at creating their own shot opportunities, a skill that differentiates them from other shooters. Lillard’s range is almost boundless, often pulling up from 30+ feet with remarkable accuracy.
The NBA’s emphasis on three-pointers is also evident in modern team strategies. Teams now budget more attempts on three-point shots than ever before. The Houston Rockets, under Daryl Morey’s leadership, epitomized the three-point revolution by attempting a staggering 42 three-pointers per game in the 2018-2019 season, a league-leading figure. The logic behind this strategy is the ‘three is more than two’ ideology; higher value shots lead to a larger payoff in points over time.
How did the three-point shot become so influential? The NBA officially adopted the three-point line in the 1979-1980 season. At first, only specialists took shots beyond the arc. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson made the occasional long-range attempt but the frequency was nowhere near today’s standards. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s and early 2000s that players like Allen and Miller began to dominate games from beyond the arc.
In the 1994-1995 season, the NBA temporarily shortened the three-point line, making it 22 feet from the basket all around. This rule change led to an increase in three-point attempts and success rates, which foreshadowed the three-point heavy strategy we see today. Though the line reverted back to its original distance of 23.75 feet from the top of the key and 22 feet at the corners after the 1996-1997 season, the three-point shot had already established its critical role in modern basketball.
You may wonder how arena atmospheres influence shooting prowess. Hosting games in venues renowned for their supportive crowds can be a factor. For example, the chase centers and TD Gardens of the world provide environments where shooters thrive, buoyed by electric atmospheres. Advanced analytics indicate that certain arenas yield higher shooting percentages due to factors such as lighting, depth perception, and court familiarity.
And then there’s the aspect of training and technology. Today’s NBA players employ sophisticated training regimes designed to enhance shooting form and consistency. Virtual reality simulations, biomechanical analysis, and shooting coaches using video breakdowns have all become standard practice. Stephen Curry’s rigorous pre-game warm-up routines, which include hundreds of made shots from various distances, exemplify the lengths to which modern players go to perfect their craft.
Additionally, team strategies now revolve around optimizing three-point opportunities. Space creation, ball movement, and player positioning are meticulously planned to encourage open three-point shots. Coaches employ offensive playbooks rich in pick-and-rolls and off-ball screens, designed to free up their best shooters. Analytics-driven insights have shown that corner threes have the highest success rate, leading teams to design plays specifically for those golden opportunities.
Given these advancements, the era of the dominant three-point shooter is likely here to stay. With rising stars like Trae Young and Luka Dončić already making waves with their elite long-range shooting, it’s only a matter of time before new records are set. As Young currently averages around 36.1% from three, one can only speculate how he’ll adapt and improve in the years ahead. In any case, the three-point shot fundamentally redefined how the game is played and analyzed.
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