Remember the '90s? Hakeem Olajuwon backing down defenders, Patrick Ewing banging in the post, David Robinson dominating the paint. Possessions were precious. Teams like the 1994 New York Knicks averaged around 90 possessions per game, often grinding out wins in the low 90s, sometimes even the high 80s. Post-ups were gospel, a foundational offensive set. Olajuwon alone had 1,180 post-up possessions in the 1995-96 season, according to Chemistry Sports. That's a different era entirely.
Fast forward to today, and the game is almost unrecognizable. The league average for possessions per game is now hovering around 100, a significant jump from the days of hand-checking and slow-it-down basketball. The 2023-24 Indiana Pacers, for example, led the league with 102.1 possessions per game, proof of their desire to push the ball and create early offense. This isn't just a slight adjustment; it's a wholesale philosophical shift. It's not about methodically working the ball inside anymore; it's about creating space and exploiting it.
The most glaring change, of course, is the three-pointer. It went from a novelty, a specialized weapon, to the primary offensive attack for most teams. In the 1995-96 season, the average NBA team attempted just 16.0 threes per game. Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters ever, attempted 5.7 threes per game in 2005-06, a high mark for his era. Compare that to the 2023-24 season where the average team hoisted 35.1 threes per contest. The Boston Celtics, champions this past season, launched 42.5 threes per game in the playoffs, shattering previous records. Steph Curry, arguably the architect of this revolution, averages 11.2 three-point attempts over his last five seasons. That volume was unthinkable twenty years ago.
This commitment to the perimeter has fundamentally altered shot selection. The mid-range jumper, once a staple of elite scorers like Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, has become an endangered species. According to NBA.com tracking data, shots from 10-19 feet accounted for 14.8% of all field goal attempts in 2005-06; in 2023-24, that number dropped to 9.2%. Teams are either attacking the rim or shooting a three. Everything in between is deemed inefficient. Just look at the 2024 MVP, Nikola Jokic, who despite his incredible versatility, shoots 34.7% of his shots from beyond the arc and 36.5% from within three feet. The analytics departments have spoken, and the message is clear: shoot threes or get to the cup.
**The Space Cadets and Watchability**
The decline of the post-up is perhaps the most telling statistic about pace-and-space. In 2005-06, the league averaged 10.3 post-up possessions per game. By 2023-24, that number plummeted to 3.7. The art of back-to-the-basket scoring, once a hallmark of big men, is practically a lost art. Even traditional centers like Joel Embiid, who still dominates inside, takes 8.7 threes per game, a far cry from the classic big. The court is spread, defenders are pulled out to the three-point line, and driving lanes open up like never before. This creates a more dynamic, free-flowing game that’s clearly more exciting for a casual viewer.
Here's the thing: while some purists lament the death of the mid-range and the post-up, the truth is, the current game is a better product. More scoring, more highlight-reel plays, less stagnation. You don't see as many possessions where a big man gets the ball in the post, bumps for 15 seconds, and then takes a contested turnaround jumper. Instead, it's quick decisions, ball movement, and open looks. The 2017 Golden State Warriors, with their unparalleled shooting and movement, were the epitome of this style, and they were appointment television. They showed everyone what was possible.
Real talk: the constant three-point barrage can get a little monotonous sometimes, especially when teams are clanking them. But the overall effect has been a more athletic, skill-oriented game. Players like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thrive in this environment, using their individual brilliance to create shots in space. It's a game built for speed and precision, not brute force.
I'll tell you what, though. I miss the era of dominant post play. There was a certain artistry to Olajuwon's Dream Shake that you just don't see anymore. But you can't argue with results, and you can't argue with entertainment value. The NBA has leaned into what makes modern basketball exciting, and it's paid off.
I predict that within the next three seasons, the average NBA team will attempt 40 three-pointers per game, and we'll see at least one team average over 110 points per game on fewer than 90 field goal attempts.