NBA Shooting Analysis

The NBA's relationship with the three-point shot has transformed the sport entirely. Introduced in the 1979-80 season, the three-pointer was initially seen as a gimmick. Teams averaged fewer than 3 three-point attempts per game in the early 1980s. Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and teams regularly launch over 35 three-pointers per game.

The catalyst for this revolution was Stephen Curry. His unprecedented combination of range, accuracy, and volume fundamentally altered how teams approach offense. Before Curry, elite three-point shooting meant hitting 40% on 5-6 attempts per game. Curry regularly takes 11+ threes per game at historically efficient rates.

The mid-range shot — once the bread and butter of players like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant — has become the least efficient shot in basketball by expected value. A 40% three-pointer yields 1.2 points per attempt, while a 45% mid-range two yields only 0.9 points per attempt. This mathematical reality has driven teams to the rim and beyond the arc.

Players like Kevin Durant represent the modern ideal: a player who can score from anywhere on the floor at elite efficiency. Meanwhile, big men like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis prove that rim pressure and finishing remain equally valuable, posting elite FG% numbers by dominating the paint.

The future of NBA shooting will likely see even more three-point volume, deeper ranges, and a continued emphasis on efficiency over shot selection. For more analysis, explore our full statistics database or compare shooting across different NBA eras.