The Changing Landscape of NBA Offenses

The 2024-25 NBA season has shattered records in 3-point attempts, with teams averaging 37.5 per game - a 67% increase from a decade ago. The Boston Celtics' opening night performance (61 attempts, 29 made) became symbolic of this offensive revolution.

The Analytics Behind the Trend

• Historical context: League-wide 3P% has risen from <30% in 1986-87 to 36% today
• Point efficiency: Average 3 now yields 1.07 points vs. 0.84 for mid-range 2s
• Playoff correlation: Teams attempting more 3s went 51-28 (.646) in 2024 postseason

Daryl Morey's Controversial Stance

The architect of "Moreyball" now argues:

"We have hit the point where [the 3-pointer] is turning toward making the game worse. If open mid-range shots become inferior to contested 3s, that's bad for basketball."

Fan Perception vs. Reality

The NBA's research reveals:

• Younger fans embrace high-volume 3-point shooting
• Older demographics show more resistance
• Social media analysis detected growing frustration after season's first month

Potential Solutions on the Horizon

The Future of NBA Offenses

With Victor Wembanyama attempting more 3s than Ray Allen ever did, and Denver proving alternative styles can succeed, the league appears headed for:

1. Continued 3-point growth
2. Greater stylistic diversity among contenders
3. Potential rule tweaks if entertainment value declines

As Celtics executive Mike Zarren noted: "The narrative that all teams play the same is simply not true - we're seeing more strategic diversity than ever."