- Celtics on track to break Golden State's 3-point record with 1,340+ makes
- 29-7 win rate when attempting 50+ threes per game
- 15 NBA franchises setting new team records for long-range shots
- League-wide 3-point attempts up 6.8% from last season
- Four players with 500+ points yet to attempt a three
The Boston Celtics are rewriting NBA history books this season, poised to surpass the league’s all-time three-point records. With over 1,340 made threes and counting, the defending champions could eclipse Golden State’s previous benchmark as early as Wednesday night. Coach Joe Mazzulla’s strategy emphasizes adaptability, urging players to exploit defensive gaps through perimeter shooting. This approach has already produced five 60+ three-point attempt games—a first in NBA history.
League-wide trends mirror Boston’s reliance on long-range offense. Teams are attempting 6.8% more threes than last season, potentially surpassing 92,000 total attempts. The Chicago Bulls exemplify this shift, shattering their franchise record with 1,170 made threes—230 more than previous highs. Analytics departments increasingly prioritize three-point efficiency, with data showing teams making 15+ threes win 65% of games. However, excessive reliance carries risk: squads failing to hit 10 threes lose 72% of contests.
Player development strategies now emphasize perimeter skills, creating specialized roles like the “three-and-D” specialist. Financial incentives reinforce this trend—elite shooters command premium contracts. The Phoenix Suns recently allocated 37% of their cap space to backcourt snipers. Regional contrasts emerge: while Boston and Chicago embrace volume shooting, Houston’s current roster attempts 18% fewer threes than their 2019 record-setting team.
Despite the three-point revolution, traditional big men persist. Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert and Detroit’s Jalen Duren prove centers can thrive without attempting threes. Oklahoma City’s Isaiah Hartenstein embodies this anomaly, scoring 500+ points despite 18 failed three-point attempts. Historical context highlights the shift—a decade ago, only 57 players made 100 threes annually versus 118 this season.
As playoffs approach, the Celtics’ strategy faces its ultimate test. While three-point proficiency correlates with regular-season success, postseason defenses often limit perimeter opportunities. Boston’s ability to adapt—whether through mid-range counters or paint dominance—could determine their championship repeat bid. One truth remains undeniable: the three-point era is accelerating, fundamentally altering basketball’s tactical landscape.