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Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry are Kings of Pull-Up Threes, But This NBA All-Star Outdid Both Last Season

Published 09/22/2021, 10:42 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Long distance shooting has gained more and more popularity over the years. The players in the NBA have only grown in confidence, and are fearless when shooting from long range. Currently in the league, Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are among the best shooters from behind the 3-point line. However, a peculiar name outdid them both last year.

Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard’s insane 3-point stats

With the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry has inspired a brand of basketball that has never been seen before. They have developed a culture, revolving around intricate passing and accurate long distance shooting. Guard duo of Thompson and Curry have shown right throughout the decade why they are so devastating. Apart from them, Portland Trail Blazers‘ Damian Lillard has also stood out.

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In the course of his glittering career, Curry has shot at close to 45% from long range. He also has close to 3,000 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Lillard has an average success rate of around 38%, and has scored just over 2,000 threes. Yet, the duo’s techniques and ability to get the ball and release the ball makes them a menace for oppositions. Along with this, their irresistible dribbling qualities make them practically impossible to guard.

Mike Conley was more efficient than Lillard and Curry in 2020-21

The 2020-21 edition of the NBA witnessed some phenomenal basketball. Numerous players delivered on the big stage, with some unexpected names in there. In an interesting statistic, 17 players took more than 200 pull-up three-pointers. Surprisingly, the list has some unusual features, with Mike Conley leading the efficiency race.

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According to BasketballNews.com, Utah Jazz’s Mike Conley ranked first in the list of most efficient shooters last season from long range. The All-star had a brilliant strike rate of 41.5%, while the Warriors’ No.30 was right behind him at 40.9%. Completing the list were Zach LaVine, Buddy Hield and Lillard, with 39%, 38.4% and 37.1% efficiency respectively. It was a shocking stat, especially considering how dominant Curry and Lillard were thought to be.

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Shooting from long distance is no doubt a tough skill to perfect. Yet, the NBA’s top stars have proven that they are up to the task. Who will shine from the 3-point line next year? Will it be Curry, Lillard, or another newbie? Let’s wait and watch.

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
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