2024-25 NBA Season Predictions: 5 teams that could lead league in 3-point shooting
Last season, the NBA recorded its second-highest number of 3-point attempts in history, with teams averaging 35.1 shots per game, just shy of the 35.2 record set in 2021-22. This coming 2024-25 season, 3-point shooting remains one of the most exciting stats to watch.
The top five teams in 3-point shooting percentage last season all made the playoffs. The Boston Celtics, who finished second in the regular season with a 38.8% success rate from beyond the arc, went on to win the championship.
Teams that are efficient from behind the arc are usually successful, making it a key area for many to focus on. Consistency from long range isn’t everything in the NBA, but teams that are efficient from this distance tend to be tough to beat
Here are five teams that could shoot the best from distance in the upcoming season.
5 teams predicted to shoot well from 3-point distance in the 2024-25 NBA season
#5. New Orleans Pelicans
Last season, the New Orleans Pelicans shot 38.3% from behind the arc, the fourth-best in the NBA. CJ McCollum, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, Jose Alvarado and Brandon Ingram are back to lead the team’s long-range attack.
Dejounte Murray, who shot 36.3% from deep last season, adds another perimeter threat that could push the Pelicans to the top five in 3-point shooting efficiency.
#4. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns were fifth in the NBA last season in 3-point field goal accuracy with a 38.2% clip. Eric Gordon isn’t with the Suns anymore, but they still have Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Bradley Beal and Royce O’Neale.
Damion Lee, who shot 44.5% in his first season with Phoenix before sitting out last year due to an injury, is set to make his comeback.
The Suns have one of the league's most dangerous 3-point shooting lineups and will likely end up in the top five.
#3. Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors didn’t rank in the top five for 3-point shooting efficiency last season, but they have a strong chance to make that list in the upcoming one.
Klay Thompson took his talents to Dallas, but the Dubs acquired Buddy Hield and De’Anthony Melton. The Steph Curry-led team could climb into the top five in the 2024-25 NBA season.
#2. OKC Thunder
The OKC Thunder topped the NBA last season with a 38.9% clip from deep. Returning players like Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams, Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren will aim to keep the team near the top.
Their roster saw a significant change as they let go of Josh Giddey, who averaged 33.7% from deep last season, in exchange for Alex Caruso, a 40.8% shooter from distance.
Oklahoma is poised for another top-five finish in 3-point shooting efficiency.
#1. Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics suffocated opponents last season with their defense and overwhelmed teams with their 3-point shooting. Joe Mazzulla will work with the same core that shot 38.8% in 3-pointers. The defending champs could be headed for another top-five finish in 3-point shooting efficiency.
Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis make the Celtics a tough cover from outside. Baylor Scheierman, Boston’s rookie, was a career 39.0% shooter from deep, giving the Celtics another outside threat who can punish opponents.