In today’s NBA, success often hinges on the ability to outscore your opponent from beyond the arc. The Boston Celtics are fully embracing this trend as they pursue consecutive championships. The league is currently witnessing a surge in 3-point statistics, with both attempts and makes reaching unprecedented levels—a development that has been consistent for over a decade.
The Celtics are setting themselves apart by relying heavily on 3-point shooting unlike any team before them, as they aim to break records for the most 3s taken and made in a single season. Their strategy has caught the attention of other franchises, highlighting a broader trend in the league. “At our best, it’s imperative to recognize our identity,” remarked Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. “Ultimately, we focus on our own performance rather than comparing ourselves to others.”
When the Celtics are performing optimally, they frequently shoot from long distance, and they are not the only franchise taking this approach. Thirteen of the 30 NBA teams are on track to surpass their previous records for 3-point attempts this season, including franchises like the Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat. “It’s certainly beneficial, and our players have put in a lot of effort,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. He emphasized that success isn’t solely about the quantity of 3-point shots taken; it needs to be balanced with other offensive strategies.
While it’s simplistic to say that any one statistic can determine the outcome of a game, the influence of 3-pointers cannot be overlooked. Currently, teams that take more 3-point shots win approximately 53% of the time, while those that convert more of them see a success rate of 67%. If a team connects on five more 3-pointers than their opponent, their probability of winning improves to 75%. And a staggering statistic shows that teams hitting 10 additional 3s are undefeated this season at 31-0, a record bolstered by the Celtics’ recent performance against the Heat.
Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovi? underscored the necessity for players to confidently take open shots: “These are rhythm shots; you’ve got to embrace the opportunity.” Players in the NBA dedicate extensive time to honing their shooting skills, both in the offseason and throughout the season.
Notably, only two teams in NBA history—the 2018-19 Houston Rockets and the 2020-21 Utah Jazz—have managed to score more points via 3-pointers than 2-pointers over a full season. This year’s Boston Celtics appear set to join this exclusive group as they obtain 47% of their points from behind the arc, while only 37% come from two-point attempts. Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are also drawing a substantial percentage of their scoring from 3-point land, accounting for 45% of their points.
The reliance on 3-point shooting is reaching historic levels; the 2020-21 Jazz and the 2018-19 Rockets each saw 43% and 42% of their points, respectively, come from 3-pointers. With Charlotte under the new leadership of coach Charles Lee, who previously served on Mazzulla’s staff in Boston, a similar shooting mentality has been instilled. “We’re pushing our players in numerous ways,” remarked Lee.
This season has already seen a remarkable occurrence where multiple players have attempted 18 or more 3-pointers in single games. Noteworthy efforts include those from Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, and three instances from Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball, one of which marked the first game this season where a player attempted 20 3-pointers.
As the trend of 3-point shooting becomes ingrained within the league, teams are increasingly adopting a strategy that involves heavy reliance on long-range shots. For example, the Miami Heat showcased a unique approach in a recent game, where all 10 players attempted at least two 3s each. Among the top 200 point scorers in the league this season, an impressive 95% have successfully connected from beyond the arc at least once. The remaining 5% are primarily traditional post players rarely seen shooting from distance.
Rajakovi? predicts that the inclination toward 3-point shooting shows no signs of waning: “If you’re making those shots, great; continue working to improve. If they aren’t falling, return to the gym and keep refining your skills.”
