Anthony Edwards is shooting it from deep like never before. Is the 3-ball evolution good or bad?

The NBA’s deep dive into 3-point shooting has transformed the game entirely. Today, the 3 isn’t just a weapon; it’s the foundation of almost every offense. Analytics demand it, coaches preach it, and players adapt to it. But here’s the question: has this evolution really been good for the game? Is basketball more enjoyable to watch, or has something been lost in the process?

Last season the Boston Celtics won the NBA Finals and shattered the all-time high 3-point rate previously set by the Houston Rockets. Now other teams are following along: 3-pointers are way up across the league with 41.7% of shots coming from behind the arc. If this continues, it’ll be the first time in NBA history the 3-point rate eclipses 40%.

The Timberwolves have undergone one of the most dramatic shifts this season with 50.5% of their shots coming from 3, second behind only Boston. This comes one year after they ranked 17th in 3-point rate. Clearly, Minnesota is trying to follow league trends as an attempt to leap from a West finals appearance to a champion.

At the heart of Minnesota’s embrace of the 3-point revolution is Anthony Edwards, who has taken 90 total shots this season with 53 of them coming from behind the arc. That’s a rate of 58.9%. Higher than James Harden has ever had. Higher than any other player averaging over 25 points. Higher than you’d expect from a dynamic player capable of slashing, drawing contact, and finishing at the rim with authority. But this is the style he’s embracing in all contexts of the game:

Anthony Edwards has attempted 90 total shots with 53 of them coming behind the arc. That’s a 3-point rate of 58.9 percent. Higher than James Harden ever had. pic.twitter.com/nXfjWfBJ3k

— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 30, 2024

In the clips above, Edwards hits 3s by running a pick-and-roll, slipping a screen, re-using a screen, and pulling up in transition. He’s hunting at all times. And making them too. Edwards has drained 37.1 percent of his dribble-jumper 3s, and 50 percent of his catch-and-shoot 3s. Prior to this regular season, Edwards had made 33.2 percent and 38.7 percent,…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-30 14:30:00

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