Klay Thompson made a playoff-record 11 3-pointers to lead the Warriors’ comeback victory over the Thunder in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night. The way these playoffs have unfolded, Thompson’s record might not last this postseason.
The 3-point shot has been around since the 1979-80 season but in the last few years, it’s become much more prevalent. During this postseason, long-range shots have been fired up at a record pace.
The Cavaliers stormed into the Finals not so much on LeBron James‘ brute strength and versatility but on 3-point flurries. They are averaging 14.4 made 3-pointers in the postseason and hitting them at a 43.4% rate. Nearly 41% of their field-goal attempts have come from beyond the arc.
Not surprising, the Warriors are second on the list with an average of 12.2 made threes while shooting 39.9% from long range. A handful of teams in this postseason have averaged at least 30 3-point attempts per game and six more averaged at least 21 per contest.
It’s a stark contrast to what we saw just a few years ago. During the 2012 postseason, for example, the Heat won the championship with 3-point averages of 6.8 makes and 19.7 attempts with a 34.7% success rate. The Western Conference champion Thunder averaged 6.8 makes and 19.2 attempts with a 35.5% success rate.
Meanwhile, mid-range shooting and low-post play has been lost in the process. Most of the top teams lack a dominant post presence and when someone does post up, it’s usually to set up a kickout for another 3-point attempt.
The NBA Finals this season might resemble the 3-point shooting contest during All-Star weekend.
This leads us to our question of the day: Should the league make rule changes such as extending the 3-point line or widening the lane in order to de-emphasize the 3-point shot?
Please take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
It’s becoming too easy. They need to at least widen the line in my opinion.
I think something needs to be done to discourage all those 3-point shots.
Keep three point where it is…..Curry will adjust accordingly…..don’t worry East Coast diehards….Jordan still the best all-around….Curry still best shooter..
Make a 4 pointer harder so the best shooters will try for those middle tier will shoot 3s so they won’t be made as often
Bring back a few 90s rules like hand checking. Its like the NFL and receivers rules out there.
The game has changed dramatically over the past dozen years. The Pistons routinely held opponents under 80 points the year they won the title.
Time to go NBA Jam style – take out the line – put in random hotspots!
Leave it alone.
Teams will adjust defenses, lineups, schemes and counter attacks.
Give it time to evolve before making knee-jerk rules changes.
I agree. Game 6 between the Warriors and Thunder was the highest-rated show of the night. People were turning it off in disgust because of all the 3-pointers. The rule changes have worked. It’s a better game now.