The Lost Art of Basketball: How the NBA’s Obsession with Three-Pointers Has Ruined the Game
In the 1990s, basketball was a gritty, physical sport where big men like Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Alonzo Mourning dominated the paint. Defense was a key aspect of the game, and teams had to work together to create scoring opportunities. Fast-forward to today, and the NBA has become a three-point shooting contest where defense is an afterthought.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Recently, the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls set a new record for most missed three-pointers in a regulation game, combining for 75 misses. This isn’t an anomaly; it’s a symptom of a larger problem. The NBA has become obsessed with three-point shooting, and teams are launching shots from anywhere on the court. The result is a lack of strategy, tough defense, and real basketball IQ.
The Disappearance of Defense
Defense has essentially disappeared from the NBA, and it’s not by accident. The league has made it clear that hard fouls and physical play will not be tolerated. Players are no longer encouraged to be tough and defend their teammates. Instead, they’re rewarded for launching three-pointers and padding their stats.
A Joke of a Game
The result is a watered-down version of basketball that’s more concerned with offense than defense. Players are no longer held accountable for their lack of effort on the defensive end, and fans are left paying top dollar to watch a boring, uncompetitive game. Even legends like Shaquille O’Neal are disgusted by the state of the game.
The Viewership Decline
NBA viewership has been trending down recently, and it’s no surprise. The game has become stale and predictable, with teams relying on the same tired strategies. Even Shaq agrees that the modernized playstyle is to blame, saying that “everybody’s running the same plays” and that the game needs to “switch things up.”
The Golden Days of Basketball
In the past, big men were dominant forces in the paint, and teams had to respect their presence. The game was about strategy, tough defense, and real basketball IQ. It wasn’t just about who could make the most deep shots; it was about outsmarting your opponent and outworking them.
A Call to Action
It’s time for the NBA to take a step back and re-evaluate its priorities. The game needs to return to its roots, where defense is valued and physical play is encouraged. Until then, fans will continue to suffer through a boring, uncompetitive regular season.
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