Who is the greatest 3-point Shooting NBA Squad of all time?
The 3-point shot was revolutionized by players like Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors organization since around the 2013–2014 season by increasing the volume of 3-point shots taken during NBA games.
Let’s take a look at all the 3-point shooting teams ever since the 3-point line was introduced into the NBA in the 1979–1980 season.
Initially, in the early seasons of the NBA, there was a low volume of these shots taken as it was believed that 3-pointers were a less reliable scoring method than shots in the paint. But now the narrative has changed, and teams are more likely to 3-point shots off catch-and-shoot plays and sometimes off the dribble. Let’s analyze which teams used the value of the 3-point shot the most and were effectively able to score.
The data was extracted primarily from Basketball Reference League Index page which contains data regarding all NBA and ABA seasons.
NBA & ABA League Index | Basketball-Reference.com
Furthermore, NBA.com would be used to analyze the different shooting splits but since this data is only available from the 1996–1997 season, it would be used to analyze the different scenarios the 3-point shot can provide its maximum value.
The chart above shows that 3-pointers made have continued to increase ever since the introduction of the 3-point line, however during the 1994–1995 season the 3-point line was shortened from 23ft and 9 inches to 22 feet. This caused a sudden increase in the number of 3-pointers made during the season. However, it was brought back to its original distance by the 1997–1998 season hence a dip of the shots made can be seen. The next significant increase we see is the beginning of the 3-point era where the shot was given more value than taking mid-range shots.
Now let’s examine the accuracy of the shots made throughout the seasons:
Compared to the shots made, the accuracy has been on a slight upward trend as the NBA adjusted to the 3-point line. But ever since the 1994–1995 season (change to the 3-point line distance), the average accuracy of teams has remained somewhat constant.
Let’s start by identifying the best volume shooting teams, however, not to be biased for teams in the 3-point era, a few earlier teams would be used to identify by comparing with the league average of shots made in a season.
- Houston Rockets (2017–2018)
This team nearly made more than 5 (4.8) 3-pointers each game compared to the League Average. Analyzing the team’s composition and dynamics can easily show why the team made this many shots during the season.
The first contributing factor is the MVP of the league during the season James Harden, his usage rate was up to 40.5% during the season and he had 3pt Attempt rate of 53.9% which held to him making 378 threes during the season, only behind Stephen Curry, who holds the record for the most threes in a season.
Another contributing factor is Daryl Morey’s leadership which led to the team taking more 3-point shots compared to long 2-pointers (mid-range) as they resulted in a higher point per attempt. The link talks about the concept which was developed by Daryl Morey. Under the Influence of Moreyball — The Ringer
2. The 73–9 Golden State Warriors (2015–2016)
Known as one of the greatest rosters assembled in a season, they hold the record for the most wins in a single season of all time. This team made 4.6 3-pointers per game. During the 2015–2016 season, the Golden State Warriors are ranked number 1 in offense and averaging 114.9 points per game. They also attempted 36.2% of the shots as 3-pointers contributed to one of the greatest shooting teams of all time.
This team was led by the MVP of the league Stephen Curry who made a total of 402 3-pointers which to this said is the record number of 3-pointers made by a player during the course of a regular NBA season. In addition to this Stephen Curry shot the 3point ball at an impressive rate of 45.4% which is exactly 10% better than league average.
3. New York Knicks (1988–1989)
The 1988–1989 New York Knicks season was remarkable, especially in terms of their approach to 3-point shooting. Under coach Rick Pitino, the Knicks adopted an ambitious, fast-paced style that emphasized unprecedented levels of three-point shooting. This strategy was a perfect fit for their young and athletic roster.
The team, known as “The Bomb Squad,” featured players like Mark Jackson, Rod Strickland, Trent Tucker, Gerald Wilkins, and Johnny Newman. They launched a total of 1,147 three-point attempts during the season, which was over 400 more than any other team at the time. They successfully made 386 of these attempts, shattering the previous single-season record of 271. The squad averaged 14 three-point attempts per game, with 4.7 makes per game, both leading the league.
The Knicks’ strategy wasn’t just about scoring from beyond the arc. It also involved a robust full-court pressing defense. This approach was physically demanding but highly effective, contributing to their average of 116.8 points per game. They were efficient in their play, finishing fourth in the league in True Shooting percentage and third in effective field goal percentage.
This style of play was relatively new to the NBA at the time. Rick Pitino, recognizing the potential of the three-point shot as a serious weapon in the game, encouraged all his players to shoot from distance. This led to significant statistical improvements for many players on the roster.
The Knicks’ 1988–1989 season was not just about statistical achievements; it also had a significant impact on the fan experience. Their exciting and fast-paced style of play resonated with the fans, leading to a strong home record and increased attendance. The team finished the regular season with a 52–30 record, coming second in the Eastern Conference.
In the playoffs, the Knicks’ unique style continued to be effective, although they eventually faced challenges, particularly from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the conference semi-finals.
The 1988–1989 Knicks season was a pivotal moment in the NBA, showcasing the potential of the three-point shot and fast-paced play, which would later become more prominent in the league.
4. Boston Celtics (1985–1986)
The 1985–1986 Boston Celtics season is noted for being one of the most dominant in NBA history. They finished with a 67–15 record, showcasing excellent performance across various aspects of the game. When it comes to 3-point shooting, a significant figure from that era was Larry Bird. Bird, renowned for his sharp-shooting skills, made a significant impact in the realm of 3-point shooting, especially during the 1986 season.
Larry Bird’s prowess in 3-point shooting was particularly highlighted during the NBA’s first three-point shooting contest at the All-Star weekend in 1986. He won the contest, a feat he would repeat for the next two years. His performance in these contests, especially the one in 1988 where he confidently played while wearing his Boston Celtics team warm-up jacket, further cemented his reputation as one of the best shooters of the era.
Throughout his career, Bird was known for his competitive spirit and exceptional shooting skills. He finished his NBA career with a significant number of three-pointers made, ranking high in the Celtics franchise history for this statistic. His career average from behind the arc was around 37%, a remarkable figure considering the era he played in when three-point shots weren’t as prevalent as they are in modern basketball.
In conclusion, the evolution of the 3-point shot in the NBA is a fascinating journey, marked by groundbreaking moments and transformative strategies. From its initial skepticism to its current status as a pivotal element of the game, the three-pointer has redefined basketball strategy and execution.
The 1985–1986 Boston Celtics, led by Larry Bird, showcased the power of precision and the impact of a superstar who could excel from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the 1988–1989 New York Knicks, under Rick Pitino, revolutionized the use of the three-pointer with a fast-paced and aggressive approach, setting the stage for the modern NBA’s emphasis on long-range shooting.
These historical insights, coupled with the remarkable rise of teams like the Golden State Warriors and players like Stephen Curry, underline the dynamic nature of basketball. The 3-point shot, once an underutilized tool, has now become a central feature of a team’s offensive arsenal, influencing team compositions, play styles, and even the physical and skill development of players.
As the NBA continues to evolve, it is clear that the 3-point shot will remain a critical and exciting element of the game, continually reshaping strategies and electrifying fans. The future of basketball will undoubtedly see further innovations and adaptations, but the legacy of the three-pointer and its profound impact on the game will always be a defining chapter in the history of the sport.