http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on...how-slingers-have-replaced-goliath-in-the-nba Nice article about why 3 pt shot has become so important in NBA. Highlight: prior to last year the team that held record for most 3PT shots made in a season was D12 led 2009-2019 Orlando Magic. Last year, two teams smashed that record. The Knicks, who set the new record, and the Rockets.
Hey, I thought you might find my blogpost interesting: http://www.buildingbetterball.com/2013/05/11/the-three-point-shot-part-one/ It takes a look at 3pt trends in the league. Of course, the 3 pt line wasn't used very much when it was first introduced, but it's becoming a staple of NBA offenses.
I was pretty young at the time so I don't remember this. How many years was it shortened and how much shorter was it? Is there somewhere I can look up what 3pt distance has been used each year since it was introduced? Thanks for the graph btw, would rep if I could.
I'm a fan of the 4-pt shot... <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/WrBEC18D38c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
yes remember that shot that Harden made from half court at the closing seconds of 3Q in game where Rockets defeated Thunder last year. I am still in awe of that.
No doubt - that was a thing of beauty. Should have counted for 4. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Tiw4gy9yvTk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
It's interesting to see how much better the league has gotten at shooting the 3 (or improving discipline so that only good shooters are shooting it). Since the 3 pt shot is killing the midrange game ("why take a long 2 when you can shoot a 3?"), I wonder if they should start making this shot harder.
The players are bigger, stronger and faster now. They should widen the court and make the 3pt line a uniform 23 feet 9 inches all the way around so that it's the same in the corners. Would open up some lanes maybe too.
That would leave exactly 15 inches to maneuver for a corner trey. To tight for big men with 12 inch feet. Basically it would remove one of the more interesting tactical aspects from the game. Also it would obviously not open up any driving lanes.
Why make the trey harder? It is beautiful basketball to see a team scheme and maneuver to create an open 3 point shot. It is much more aesthetically pleasing than the scrum involved in most mid ranged shots.
It is beautiful basketball. I also like the symmetry that the Rockets were the ones responsible for 3 PT shooting taking off - with the championship team in 1993-1984 led by the Dream showcasing the 3PT shot. And now they are poised to take it to yet another level. As the article says: "Surround a Goliath with some slingers and you can find a great balance in an offense that gives you championship aspirations."
