Kevin Pelton, ESPN's NBA analyst and stats guru, joins Chris Herring, author and Knicks expert, for a deep dive into the current NBA landscape. They discuss the surge in three-point attempts and its strategic impact on games. The contrasting performances of the struggling Lakers and offensively potent Knicks are analyzed. The Wizards' historically poor start is compared to notable past struggles, while insights on the Eastern-Western Conference imbalance and the Bucks' resurgence enrich the conversation. Tune in for a lively take on the season's dynamics!
The significant increase in three-point attempts to 42.3% sparks debates on its long-term viability and game balance.
The Lakers' struggles stem from low offensive and defensive efficiency, raising concerns about their ability to compete with top teams.
The Knicks' offensive success hinges on diversifying shot selection, but Mikael Bridges' inconsistency could jeopardize their playoff aspirations.
Deep dives
The Surge of Three-Point Attempts in the NBA
The increase in three-point attempts is significant, with the rate climbing to 42.3% of all shots taken. This trend has been accelerated by successful playoff strategies, particularly after teams like the Boston Celtics demonstrated the correlation between three-point volume and game outcomes. Teams such as Chicago and Charlotte, inspired by these trends, are now taking over half of their shots from beyond the arc. However, some analysts express concern that this heavy reliance on three-point shooting could disrupt the balance of the game, raising questions about its long-term viability.
Lakers Struggles: Defensive Concerns and Offensive Slumps
The Lakers have faced significant challenges, currently ranking low in both defensive and offensive efficiency. With LeBron James showing signs of fatigue and Anthony Davis struggling to maintain consistent scoring, the team has become increasingly reliant on outside shooting. Their recent performances revealed alarming defensive lapses, allowing opponents easy scoring opportunities, evidenced by a game against Miami where they allowed numerous open shots. Analysts are concerned that unless the Lakers can improve defensively, they will struggle to compete against higher-level teams when their star players face offensive slumps.
The New York Knicks' Offensive Renaissance
The Knicks have emerged as one of the top offensive teams in the league, largely thanks to the dynamic play of Carl Towns and a shift in their offensive approach. Averaging impressive shooting percentages, the Knicks have diversified their scoring, moving away from isolation-heavy strategies to more efficient shot selections early in the shot clock. However, there are concerns about Mikael Bridges' inconsistency and his significant drop in free-throw attempts, which could prove detrimental in high-pressure playoff scenarios. If the Knicks can stabilize their offensive contributions from Bridges, they may solidify their status as serious contenders.
The Dire State of the Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are struggling severely, currently owning one of the worst point differentials in NBA history. After a promising start at 2-2, the team has plummeted to 2-17, and speculation about trading key players like Kyle Kuzma is rampant as a rebuilding effort seems inevitable. The team’s performance has led to concerns about the effectiveness of their roster, with older players struggling alongside young talents. Observers believe that despite potential trades, the Wizards' issues may persist, limiting their chances for improvement this season.
The Eastern Conference's Competitive Landscape
Recent developments have shifted perceptions of the Eastern Conference, as teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks show signs of improvement. With the Bucks rebounding from an 2-8 start, they present a potential threat with Giannis continuing to dominate. The contrasting fortunes of teams in the East have highlighted the volatility of early season performances, where shifts in player health and form can dramatically impact standings. As the conference tightens, competition from these teams could reshuffle expectations for playoff success.
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Kevin Pelton and Chris Herring to talk ‘Small Sample-Size Theater’ with the trends of the NBA season so far, including the increase in 3-point attempts around the league, the Lakers’ struggles, the Knicks’ league best offense, the Wizards’ historically bad start, the imbalance between the Eastern & Western Conferences, if the Bucks are righting the ship and much more!
