Basketball has always been a changing game—from the shot clock to the fast break and every variation in between, anything that changes the game changes how the game is played. However, few changes have had as much effect as the 3-point revolution. Once seen as a novelty shot that was taken only sometimes, in the 1980s and 1990s the 3-point shot has become the hallmark new strategy of how basketball is played today. The 3-point shot has become, not only a weapon used in basketball, but a centerpiece of basketball offensive and defensive strategies.
A Short History of the 3-Pointer
The three-point line was added to professional basketball in 1979-80 in the NBA. At first, it was looked at as more of a gimmick and not much of a threat. Teams rarely took threes if they could just bomb the ball inside to their big men or take a mid-range jumper.
However, as analytics came into its own in the 2000s, coaches began to look at the math, which was clear: a made three-pointer is worth 50% more than a two-pointer. Eventually, the league evolved to its current state where the three-point shot is viewed as essential to offensive teams rather than simply as a situational shot.
Offense: Spacing and Volume Shooting
The largest tactical change has been in spacing. By having shooters spaced out along the arc teams can stretch the defense, create driving lanes, and force defenders to cover more ground. This leads to higher efficiency, and with spacing and volume shooting creates an inside-out game.
- High volume shooting: Teams routinely shoot 35–40 threes a game.
• Five-out offenses: even centers shoot it deep, pulling rim protectors from the basket.
• Drive-and-kick: guards cut the paint to pull the defense., then kick it to an open shooter.
Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard have brought this to the extreme conclusion that deep-range shooting is so efficient that it can change how defenses structure.
Defense: Adjusting to the Arc
Defenses have had to adjust significantly. Conventional man-to-man schemes typically left the perimeter unguarded. Offenses today are adept at exposing that area. Therefore:
- Closeouts are faster and harder.
• switch heavy defenses has become normal and limits the chance of leaving a shooter open.
• Perimeter defenders are more valuable than conventional rim protecting big men.
Stopping the three has become a the first priority in defending the three, and sometimes more important than protecting the paint.
The Fall of the Mid-Range Shot
The 3-point revolution has left some casualties, mid-range jumps are one of them. Mid-range jumpers have been the bread-and-butter of stars such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but with the rise of the 3-point,mid-range jumpers have lost some value due to their inefficiency. There are a few players left that excel from mid-range specifically players like Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan, but most coaches would rather have the spacing and efficiency of 3-point shots vs. contested two-pointers.
Importance of Analytics
The increased availability of advanced statistics propelled the movement. Data revealed that someone who was only an average shooter from three could, on average, generate more points per possession than relying on mid-range attempts. Under Daryl Morey, the Houston Rockets have embraced this philosophy completely by attempting an almost record-breaking number of threes per game.
Outside of the NBA: A Worldwide Impact
The 3-point revolution has not only been present in the NBA. Other levels of basketball, whether they be international, college basketball, or even at the grassroots level, have also accepted the three-pointer as an important skill. Young players should practice deep shooting as much as skill development in ball-handling or finishing the ball at the basket.
The Future of the Game
With the popularity of the 3-point shot, there is always going to be questions as to whether it is taking over the game. Some analysts will point to the potential overuse of the 3-pointer, having found the increased emphasis has decreased the depth and variance in playing style. Others will cite the fact this is just part of the natural evolution of a sport in constant flux of innovative change.
What is certain is that the 3-point shot revolution will never go away. Whether it is through spacing, pace, or the introduction of new hybrid big men who can shoot from long range, the arc has permanently changed the game of basketball.
In Closing
Over time, the three-pointer transformed basketball, but its full influence on the sport hasn’t occurred until the last two decades. Today, every offensive scheme, defensive rotation, and personnel decision is influenced by the shot. The 3-point revolution has not only supported more excitement in the game, but has transformed it into a faster, more dynamic, strategic game.