The three-point revolution or the 3-point revolution refers to the rapid strategic growth of National Basketball Association (NBA) offenses and defenses towards attempting three-point field goals, beginning in the mid 2010's and progressing to the present day. After the introduction of the three point line to the NBA in 1979, NBA teams averaged 2.8 attempts per game. By the 2018-19 season, NBA teams averaged 32.0 attempts per game. Basketball figureheads such as Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Draymond Green, Daryl Morey and Mike D'Antoni are all credited with helping precipitate the NBA Three-Point Revolution.
Pre-Revolution Era
Prior to the three point revolution, NBA teams, players, coaches and executives had mixed beliefs on the value of the three-point field goal. The three-point line was initially created for the American Basketball Association, a rival league to the NBA, which emphasized creativity, showmanship and entertainment during play. Three years after the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, the NBA implemented the three point line. Players, coaches and executives in the NBA at the time viewed it as a gimmick adopted from the comparatively immature ABA. However, over the next four decades, a number of players and coaches began realized the value of the three-point shot as they experimented with it as an integral part of their offense.
Early Experiments
:07 Seconds or Less Phoenix Suns (2004-2008) While NBA teams in the 1980's and 1990's had experimented with increased three-point field goal attempts, to mixed results, the 2004-2008 Phoenix Suns were one of the first teams to achieve regular season and postseason success utilizing the three-point field goal a central feature of their offense. Under the leadership of Coach Mike D'Antoni and point guard Steve Nash, the Phoenix Suns ran a motion offense that encouraged players a shoot a field goal attempt within the first seven seconds of the 24-second shot clock. From 2004-2007, the Phoenix Suns led the NBA in three-point field goal attempts (3PA) and efficiency, with 24.7 per game on 39.3% efficiency during 2004-05 NBA season, 25.6 3PA per game on 39.9% efficiency during the 2005-06 NBA season, and 24.0 3PA per game on 39.9% efficiency during the 2006-07 NBA season.
From 2004-2007, the Phoenix Suns averaged a league best 58 wins, tying a then-franchise record with 62 wins in the 2004-05 NBA season. Point guard Steve Nash won back-to-back NBA MVP Awards in the 2004-05 and 2005-06 NBA seasons. Coach Mike D'Antoni won NBA Coach of the Year during the 2004-05 NBA Season.
From 2004 to 2008, league average 3PA per game increased from 15.8 to 18.1, and three-point field goal efficiency (3P%) increased from 34.7% to 36.7%.
Steve Kerr was hired as the Phoenix Suns General Manager in 2008, and remained until 2010.
Emergence of the Golden State Warriors
Early Years (2009-2014) Point guard Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are largely credited as the pioneers of the three-point revolution. Drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the 2009 NBA Draft, 7th overall, Curry was considered the best three-point shooter in his draft class, and by the end of the 2012-2013 season, was considered one of the best three point shooters in NBA history, when he broke the record for three-field goals made in a single season with 272. Curry's shooting efficiency from well-behind the three-point line, and his versatility shooting off-the-dribble or in-motion, made him a singular offensive talent in the history of the NBA. Golden State's personnel moves have all sought to leverage the shooting ability of Curry into team success.
In 2011, Golden State reaffirmed their prioritization of the three-point shot by drafting shooting guard Klay Thompson 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Like Curry, Thompson was also regarded as the best three-point shooter in his draft class. His shooting ability created space for offense from Curry and others, as opposing defenses were forced to stay attached to both Thompson and Curry, to avoid giving up an open three-point shot from either of the guards. Thompson also exceled as a perimeter defender, preventing opposing players from creating open three-point shots for themselves and others.