The 3-point line was added to the NBA in 1979, and over the years, players have improved their ability to consistently make a shot beyond the arc.
There have been 3-point specialists and legendary players who hit countless 3’s throughout their careers such as, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Steve Kerr, and Kyle Korver.
In recent years, however, players like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, and James Harden have taken the shot to another level based on volume and makes.
Teams have begun to emphasize the 3-point shot and the NBA game has shifted to the outside. While many 3-pointers are being taken every night in the league, with guards, forwards, and even centers jacking it up from deep, the question is now being asked if we are seeing too many 3’s?
ESPN.com had an article this week with the headline, “NBA Insiders Say All These 3s are Reaching a Critical Mass.” Kevin Arnovitz writes, “Recent conversations with multiple league insiders about the state of the game reveal a consistent theme: As the rate of 3-pointers has exploded, the NBA might finally be reaching a critical mass.
"Some raise concerns because they believe the 3-ball has created a monotonous rhythm to each game, while others believe it has distorted the scoring system that determines wins and losses.”
In the article, Detroit Pistons head coach, Dwane Casey, is quoted as saying, "You can go overboard -- those nights you get 45 and 50 . Your quality of shots is going down, and there's going to be quick possessions. It kind of dilutes the spirit of the game and the soul of the game. It's about moving the ball from side to side, not just coming down and jacking up quick 3s.”
As an NBA fan who considers elite 3-point shooters Steph Curry, Dell Curry, and JJ Redick as three of my all-time favorite players, I can admit that the league is going overboard with the amount of 3’s being taken and that offenses are shooting the 3 too much.
I’m not sure what the answer is moving forward, but I do think the game is better when the 3 is used in moderation and teams are more balanced in the way they score baskets.
The 3-point shot is a good thing and it’s exciting when someone makes one, but just like in life when something becomes over the top or we indulge too much in one thing, it can become a problem.
As followers of Jesus, there are plenty of things we should outright avoid, but then there are some things we do where we must pursue moderation and balance.
For example, most of us have to work every day, but if we don’t have the right boundaries in place, we can work too much, and then a good thing becomes detrimental.
Psalm 127:2 (NLT) says, ”It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.”
We have to make sure we are resting enough and not overworking.
The flipside of that is when we don’t work hard enough or we “rest” too much and end up being too lazy.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:4 (NLT), "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.”
What other areas of life tempt us to overindulge and take something too far? How about too much TV, social media, and dare I say sports?
Proverbs 25:16 (AMP) asks, “Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, otherwise, being filled excessively, you vomit it.”
What about too much food or drink? Proverbs 23:21 (AMP) warns, “For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and the drowsiness will clothe one with rags."
The 3-point shot started as a good thing for basketball, but this season, there are some concerns that it’s excessively taking over.
Today, let’s take an inventory of our lives and ask God to reveal anything that is out of balance, no longer being done in reasonable moderation, and taking a negative turn.
Let’s rely on God and His Word for self-control, a clear mind, and the discernment to know when to eliminate something or to lessen our focus on it.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please show me the overindulgent things in my life. I need Your strength for self-control as I desire to resist the temptation to overdo it. Thank you for giving me good things to enjoy, but I pray that I’d love nothing more than You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What are some of your overindulges?
Why is it important for followers of Jesus to represent moderation, but also show a willingness to eliminate things that take over and distract you from growing spiritually?
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