I remember watching that 2016 Warriors team and thinking basketball would never be the same again. When Steph Curry and Klay Thompson shattered the single-season three-point record, they didn't just break a statistical benchmark—they fundamentally altered how teams approach offensive strategy across the entire league. The evolution of the three-point shot from occasional weapon to primary offensive strategy represents one of the most significant tactical shifts in modern sports history. What's fascinating is how quickly this transformation occurred and how completely it has reshaped player development, roster construction, and in-game decision making.
Looking at the numbers still blows my mind. The 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors made 1,077 three-pointers, absolutely demolishing the previous record held by the Houston Rockets. But here's what's even crazier—that record stood for exactly one season before the Rockets themselves broke it with 1,181 threes the following year. This statistical arms race demonstrates how quickly the league adapted to the new reality that three points are simply worth more than two. I've spoken with several NBA analytics directors who confirmed that the math is brutally simple: even at a lower percentage, the expected value of a three-point attempt often exceeds that of a mid-range jumper. Teams have essentially solved the basic optimization problem—more threes and more layups, fewer long twos.
The individual record tells an equally compelling story. When James Harden made 378 three-pointers in the 2018-2019 season, he was taking nearly 13 attempts per game. Compare that to Ray Allen's record-setting 269 threes in 2005-2006, which came on about 8 attempts per game. The volume has skyrocketed, and honestly, I think we're just scratching the surface of what's possible. Watching players like Damian Lillard and Trae Young pull up from the logo has normalized what would have been considered terrible shots just a decade ago. The gravitational pull these shooters create opens up the floor in ways we've never seen before.
This brings me to something I observed recently while watching a Rain or Shine game. Their offensive system relies heavily on spacing and perimeter shooting, much like modern NBA offenses. When their primary scorer was held to just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting, the entire offense collapsed. It reminded me of how dependent teams have become on three-point shooting—when it's not falling, even well-designed offenses can look completely lost. This barometer effect is something I've noticed across basketball at all levels. The three-pointer has become both the engine of modern offenses and their potential Achilles' heel.
What often gets lost in this conversation is how the three-point revolution has changed defensive schemes. Teams now regularly switch everything, defend beyond the arc with unprecedented urgency, and have largely abandoned traditional big men who can't move their feet on the perimeter. I remember talking to a veteran NBA scout who told me they now evaluate centers primarily on their ability to defend in space—something that would have been unheard of twenty years ago. The game has been completely inverted, with perimeter skills now valued over traditional post play.
The development pipeline has adapted accordingly. Young players are now specializing in three-point shooting from their early teens, with shooting coaches becoming essential staff for serious prospects. I've visited several elite basketball academies, and the emphasis on repetition from beyond the arc is staggering. Kids who can't shoot threes effectively by high school are often encouraged to develop other skills or consider different positions. This specialization comes with trade-offs—we're seeing fewer players with well-rounded mid-range games, but the market has clearly spoken about what skills it values most.
Looking ahead, I'm convinced we haven't reached the ceiling for three-point volume or efficiency. With players entering the league having spent their entire lives practicing from deep range, and with analytics departments continuing to refine optimal shot selection, I wouldn't be surprised to see a team attempt 50 threes per game within the next five years. The mathematical advantage is simply too significant to ignore. While purists might lament the decline of post play and mid-range artistry, I find this evolution thrilling—it's basketball optimized for scoring efficiency, and when executed well, it's beautiful to watch.
The record for most three-pointers in a season will likely continue to fall every few years as the game evolves. What fascinates me isn't just the numbers themselves, but how they reflect broader changes in how we understand and play basketball. From court design to player development to in-game strategy, the three-point line has reshaped everything about the sport. And honestly? I can't wait to see what comes next. The game continues to reinvent itself, and as someone who's been watching basketball for decades, that constant evolution is what keeps me coming back season after season.