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Three-point shooting: A modern NBA necessity
In today’s NBA, three-point shooting has become a crucial element of the game, shaping strategies and influencing outcomes. The Toronto Raptors, however, are currently grappling with their long-range shooting consistency. In a recent match against the Boston Celtics, the Raptors attempted 33 three-pointers but only managed to convert five, resulting in a dismal shooting percentage of 15.2%.
This stark contrast to their previous game, where they shot 57.1% from beyond the arc against the Phoenix Suns, highlights the unpredictable nature of shooting performance in basketball.
Player perspectives on shooting struggles
RJ Barrett, a key player for the Raptors, expressed his thoughts on the team’s shooting woes, stating, “Sometimes you make shots, sometimes you don’t.” Despite leading the team with 22 points, Barrett’s three-point shooting was off, going just 1 for 5.
He acknowledged that the team had good looks against Boston, but the shots simply didn’t fall. Scottie Barnes, another standout with 21 points, echoed Barrett’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for improvement while recognizing that the team played hard despite their shooting struggles.
Comparing shooting strategies with the Celtics
The Celtics, who won the NBA championship last season, have fully embraced the three-point shooting trend, averaging a league-high 47.7 attempts per game this season. In contrast, the Raptors have attempted the second-fewest three-pointers, averaging only 33 per game.
Barrett pointed out that taking more shots could lead to better results, saying, “If you take a lot of them, you’re going to make some.” This difference in approach raises questions about the Raptors’ offensive strategy and their ability to adapt to the modern game.
Coaching insights and future outlook
Head coach Darko Rajakovic acknowledged the quality of the Raptors’ shot attempts against the Celtics, suggesting that they were as good, if not better, than those taken in their previous game. He humorously remarked that if they had saved some of their successful shots from the last game, the outcome might have been different.
Despite the absence of key Celtics players like Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, the Raptors managed to stay competitive, showcasing their efficiency in two-point shooting with a remarkable 74% success rate. Barrett noted that if the team could convert just a few more three-pointers, the game could have turned in their favor.
