When you think about the best three-point shooting teams in the NBA, a few notable franchises always come to mind. The Golden State Warriors, led by the likes of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, often top the list. These guys aren't just your average shooters. Curry, often referred to as "the greatest shooter in NBA history," boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of around 43%, which is mind-blowing when you consider the league average usually hovers around 35-36%. Curry and his crew have fundamentally transformed the way basketball is played, moving it toward a more perimeter-oriented game.
Now, let me tell you about the 2016-2017 season. That Warriors team set the league on fire, making a total of 1,077 three-pointers throughout the regular season. Comparing that with the average team, which might make somewhere around 800 threes in a season, you can see just how exceptional they were. While people argue about individual accolades and skill levels, it's undeniable that the Warriors' shooting prowess made them almost unstoppable during those years.
A lot of people mistakenly think the Houston Rockets rely solely on James Harden for their three-point game, but let me set the record straight. In the 2018-2019 season, the Rockets attempted an astonishing 3,721 three-pointers, making 1,323 of them. That’s about 36%, a modest yet effective rate given the massive volume. Harden, sure, contributed significantly, but guys like Eric Gordon and P.J. Tucker played crucial roles too. The team’s strategy revolved around maximizing efficiency, attempting a high volume of shots from beyond the arc, which made mathematical sense given the expected return per shot.
People often forget about teams like the Milwaukee Bucks when discussing elite three-point shooting, but they shouldn't. Giannis Antetokounmpo may be known for his dominance in the paint, but his supporting cast knows how to shoot the ball. During the 2020-2021 season, the Bucks averaged 14.6 made three-pointers per game, ranking them among the top teams in the league. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez added significant firepower from distance, creating valuable spacing for Giannis to operate inside.
How about the Brooklyn Nets? Though they have a few of the biggest names in the league, it’s their three-point efficiency that’s truly striking. During the 2020-2021 season, the Nets shot 39% from three as a team. With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Joe Harris leading the charge, their shooting accuracy made them one of the toughest teams to defend. Joe Harris led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, clocking in at a blazing 47.5%. It’s no wonder the Nets were considered title contenders.
The Utah Jazz also deserves a mention. The 2020-2021 Jazz set records for most three-pointers in a single season. They attempted 3,777 threes and made 1,205, translating to a robust 38%. Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley weren't just scoring inside but also efficiently spreading the floor. The Jazz's approach exemplified modern basketball philosophy—embracing the three-point shot to maximize scoring efficiency.
Let's not overlook historical teams that helped shape today’s three-point revolution. Think about the 2012-2013 Miami Heat, led by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. They shot 39.6% from three that season, a stat often overshadowed by their other incredible feats. LeBron's ability to drive and kick opened up countless opportunities for shooters like Ray Allen, who notably hit a crucial three in Game 6 of the NBA Finals that year. That shot didn't just tie the game; it arguably saved Miami's title hopes.
The Boston Celtics, featuring Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, also understand the value of the three-pointer. Over recent years, they've continually improved their long-range game. For example, in the 2020-2021 season, they averaged around 37% from beyond the arc, with Tatum alone shooting at 38.6%. Adding Kemba Walker into the mix gave them another reliable shooter, making Boston a formidable perimeter threat.
One cannot forget about the Toronto Raptors, who’ve been consistently good from three-point land. During their championship run in the 2018-2019 season, they shot about 37% from deep. Players like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry contributed significantly, hitting crucial shots during their playoff run. The Raptors didn't just rely on one or two stars; their depth in shooting ensured they always had snipers ready to fire.
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Coming full circle, when we talk about the evolution of the NBA and the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting, it's impossible not to mention the analytics movement. Teams are now more data-driven, employing advanced metrics to identify and exploit inefficiencies. This shift has made three-pointers more valuable. Take the example of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2020-2021 season. Under head coach Rick Carlisle, they utilized analytics to optimize their shots, averaging about 15 made three-pointers per game at a 36% clip. Luka Dončić played a pivotal role, blending his shooting and playmaking to devastating effect.
To bring it all home, watching NBA teams master the art of the three-pointer is akin to witnessing a revolution in real-time. The game's evolution, driven by both historical benchmarks and modern analytics, showcases the incredible precision and strategy involved. So the next time you catch a game, pay attention to those long-range snipers. They might just be the ones tipping the scales in their team's favor.