As I sit down to analyze the NBA 3 pointers made this season, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically the game has evolved. When I first started covering basketball professionally a decade ago, the three-point shot was still considered somewhat of a specialty weapon - something teams would use strategically rather than as their primary offensive approach. My how times have changed. This season has seen an absolute explosion in long-range shooting that's reshaping how teams construct their rosters and develop their offensive schemes. The numbers are staggering, and as someone who's watched thousands of games, I can confidently say we're witnessing a fundamental shift in basketball philosophy that's both exciting and, if I'm being honest, slightly concerning for the traditionalist in me.
The transformation really hit home for me during a recent game between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics where both teams attempted over 50 three-pointers. That would have been unthinkable just five years ago. The NBA 3 pointers made this season are on pace to shatter previous records, with teams averaging approximately 35 attempts per game compared to just 24.1 in the 2014-15 season. What's particularly fascinating is how this trend has created new strategic dimensions in the game. Teams are now designing entire offensive systems around creating open three-point looks, and defenses have had to completely reinvent how they protect the perimeter. The math is simple - three points are worth more than two - but the execution requires incredible skill and coordination that today's players have mastered in ways previous generations never imagined.
Looking at the top performers in NBA 3 pointers made this season, Stephen Curry continues to defy age and expectations, maintaining his position among the elite shooters with around 4.9 makes per game on 42% shooting from deep. What often gets overlooked in Curry's numbers is how he's transformed defensive schemes single-handedly - teams will literally run special defensive coverages just for him, sometimes sending double teams the moment he crosses half court. Then there's Luka Dončić, who's taken his three-point volume to new heights with approximately 4.1 makes per game, though his efficiency sits around 38%. As someone who's studied shooting mechanics for years, Dončić fascinates me because he proves that there's no single "correct" form - his unorthodox release works because of his incredible touch and confidence.
The strategic implications of the three-point revolution extend beyond just offensive philosophy. Watching how teams defend the arc has become equally compelling. The best defensive squads have developed sophisticated switching schemes and close-out techniques that are specifically designed to contest three-point shots without giving up driving lanes. This delicate balance reminds me of the reference knowledge about basketball strategy where "their imposing presence allowed NU to weather a furious third period for FEU, cutting a 44-30 halftime deficit to make things interesting before creating much-needed cushion in the fourth." Similarly in the NBA, we're seeing how a team's three-point shooting capability can help them withstand opponent runs and create separation when it matters most. The psychological impact of consecutive three-pointers can completely shift momentum in ways that two-point baskets simply can't match.
What often gets lost in the analytics-driven discussion about three-point shooting is the sheer artistry involved. Having spoken with numerous shooting coaches and players, I've come to appreciate the nuanced differences in shooting forms and the countless hours of practice required to maintain elite-level accuracy. Damian Lillard's range, for instance, extends several feet beyond the three-point line, forcing defenses to cover territory they never had to worry about before. This spatial distortion creates driving lanes and cutting opportunities that simply didn't exist in previous eras. The game has become more geometrically complex, and as a basketball purist, I have to admit it's made the sport more intellectually stimulating even as it moves further from the post-oriented game I grew up watching.
The record-breaking nature of NBA 3 pointers made this season does raise legitimate questions about the future direction of the game. Some critics argue that the proliferation of three-point shooting has made offenses somewhat homogenized, with too many teams employing similar strategies. I see their point - when every team is chasing the same mathematical advantage, stylistic diversity can suffer. However, I'd counter that within this three-point dominant paradigm, we're seeing fascinating variations in how teams generate these shots. The Warriors' motion offense creates looks through complex off-ball movement, while the Mavericks rely heavily on Dončić's creation in isolation and pick-and-roll situations. These philosophical differences prove that even within a three-point centric approach, there's room for strategic diversity.
As we look toward the playoffs, the teams that can maintain their three-point efficiency under pressure will likely have the greatest success. Historical data shows that playoff defenses typically tighten up, making clean looks from deep harder to come by. This is where the true artists separate themselves - players like Klay Thompson, who has made approximately 287 threes this season despite coming off significant injuries, demonstrate the value of shooting prowess when games slow down and every possession matters. The mental fortitude required to knock down contested threes in high-leverage moments is something that can't be fully captured by analytics, and as someone who's witnessed countless playoff games, I can attest to the unique pressure these situations create.
In my view, the three-point revolution has reached something of an equilibrium - I don't expect the volume to increase dramatically from current levels, but rather see teams focusing on quality of attempts rather than pure quantity. The most advanced analytical models now emphasize the value of "hockey assists" - the pass that leads to the assist - and how ball movement creates higher-percentage three-point looks. This nuanced understanding represents the next frontier in offensive optimization. While part of me misses the post-up game and mid-range artistry that defined previous eras, I can't deny the breathtaking beauty of a perfectly executed three-point barrage that can turn a game on its head in minutes. The NBA 3 pointers made this season aren't just breaking records - they're redefining what's possible in basketball, and as both an analyst and fan, I feel privileged to witness this evolution in real time.