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Is The Mere Threat Of A Three Enough To Affect A Defense?

Three-point percentage is often thought of as a barometer for spacing, and for good reason: The higher a team’s percentage, the riskier it is for opposing teams to roam away from the shooters. Legitimate shooters pose a threat from a range of distances, splitting focus for defenders and opening opportunities for their teammates. But what […]

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The Long Arc Of JJ Redick’s Career

It was April Fools’ Day, but the sight of veteran NBA 3-point shooter JJ Redick in a Dallas Mavericks warm-up shirt was no joke.  Neither was his proclamation that he was ready to play ball.  “I’ve not played a basketball game since March 3, I think, so I’m itching to get back out on the […]

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Did Moving The Arc Bring The 3-Pointer To A Breaking Point?

When the NCAA started using a 3-point line in the 1986-87 season, it was an instant hit. While the NBA had made its line official seven years earlier, the pros hadn’t taken to it yet: They attempted only 5.3 percent of their shots from behind the arc. But at their first chance to trade in […]

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