I remember watching my first NBA game in the late 90s, when teams averaged maybe 15 three-point attempts per game - they were considered high-risk shots back then. Fast forward to today, and we're seeing teams like the Golden State Warriors completely transform basketball strategy through their three-point revolution. The numbers tell the story: from that modest 15 attempts per game, we've skyrocketed to teams regularly launching 40+ threes every single night. This isn't just evolution - it's a complete strategic overhaul that has reshaped how teams build rosters, design offenses, and even how they value different positions on the court.
Looking at that UP 78 game where Alarcon dropped 24 points, I can't help but analyze it through this modern lens. The scoring distribution in that game - with Remogat adding 11, Torres contributing 10, and multiple players hitting threes - perfectly illustrates how the game has evolved. Teams aren't just relying on one or two stars anymore; they're developing entire rosters capable of stretching the floor. I've noticed in my own analysis that modern offenses prioritize having at least four players on the court who can reliably hit from deep. This spacing creates driving lanes that simply didn't exist in earlier eras, making defenses choose between protecting the paint or closing out on shooters. The math has become undeniable - a 35% three-point shooter provides more offensive value than a 50% two-point shooter, and teams have fully embraced this reality.
What fascinates me most is how this revolution has democratized scoring. Players like Stevens contributing 7 points, Fortea and Bayla each adding 6 - these aren't superstar numbers, but they represent crucial offensive production in today's game. I've observed that teams now actively seek role players who can excel in specific three-point situations: corner threes, above-the-break threes, transition threes. The specialization has become incredible. Even big men who used to be confined to the paint are now expected to develop reliable outside shots. When you see players across the roster contributing from deep, like in that UP game where scoring was distributed among so many players, you're witnessing modern basketball strategy in its purest form.
The defensive side has undergone an equally dramatic transformation. I remember when coaches would tell players to go under screens against most shooters - now that approach would get you fired. Today's defenses have to account for threats from everywhere on the court, and the close-out has become one of the most crucial defensive skills. The game has become faster, more spaced, and frankly more exciting to watch. While some traditionalists complain about the loss of post play, I personally love the strategic complexity that the three-point revolution has introduced. Every possession feels like a chess match between offensive spacing and defensive rotations.
This revolution does have its critics, and I'll admit there are valid concerns about the game becoming too homogeneous. But looking at games like UP's 78-point performance, where scoring came from multiple sources and included three-point contributions up and down the roster, I believe we're watching basketball evolve into its most strategic and entertaining form yet. The three-point shot hasn't ruined basketball - it's made it smarter, more mathematical, and ultimately more compelling for true students of the game. The revolution is here to stay, and I for one can't wait to see how it continues to evolve in the coming seasons.