Murray & Mitchell Second Tier players going Jordan-Esque in this garbage era

[Nike D'Antoni]

Both of them dropped 3 40+ point performances, and 2 50+ point performances.

[Shooter]

Jordan's not that great...He feasted on weak defenders in a watered down era. Still #2 anyway

https://i.postimg.cc/DfN1tDcw/GOAT-Mountain.png

[DMAVS41]

Maybe just enjoy two guys playing insanely good basketball.

Not sure how anyone could watch the skill level of Murray and think he's a product of a garbage era.

[StrongLurk]

Honestly how are we to interpret the crazy bubble stats?

No matter what, it seems like the offensive explosion and EFFICIENCY to go along with it has never happened before. I know we are still finishing the first round, but we legit have many guys putting up there best playoff series ever.

[BigShotBob]

Maybe just enjoy two guys playing insanely good basketball.

Not sure how anyone could watch the skill level of Murray and think he's a product of a garbage era.

Do you really think he'd be doing this if you dropped him in the year 1992 in the playoffs playing against the Knicks?

[Bronbron23]

Maybe just enjoy two guys playing insanely good basketball.

Not sure how anyone could watch the skill level of Murray and think he's a product of a garbage era.

he's not a product of a garbage era but he definitely benefits hugely from the rules that were put in place to allow just this.

[NBAGOAT]

if era is garbage, why arent kawhi and harden putting up 50+ every game

[DMAVS41]

Do you really think he'd be doing this if you dropped him in the year 1992 in the playoffs playing against the Knicks?

Of course not. I'm not an idiot.

He'd be torching them though...a player with his skill level on a hot streak like this is going to torch even a great defensive team.

Why is that the standard though?

You think if you dropped the 92 Knicks in the league today they'd have any success at all with them shooting 7 threes a game or whatever the hell they did?

[Lebron23]

Of course not. I'm not an idiot.

He'd be torching them though...a player with his skill level on a hot streak like this is going to torch even a great defensive team.

Why is that the standard though?

You think if you dropped the 92 Knicks in the league today they'd have any success at all with them shooting 7 threes a game or whatever the hell they did?

Burning Hammer

[DMAVS41]

he's not a product of a garbage era but he definitely benefits hugely from the rules that were put in place to allow just this.

Of course he does. Just like everyone before him played with certain rules...he's no different. He should be compared to his peers and not other eras with different rules.

He also has adopted a far more optimal offensive game based on the math of the game.......you guys have to understand how much harder it is to guard a guy that can take 12 threes like this. Yes, the older defensive rules would make it harder on him, but trying to guard a player as skilled as him that you have to pick up essentially at half court is extremely difficult.

They still had fouls in the 90's...some of you need to remember that.

Didn't Chris Mullin average like 27 a game over a 5 year stretch in the exact time you guys are referencing? I bet he didn't even take more than 3 threes a game. I love Mullin, but if you are telling me that guys like Mitchell and Murray just couldn't compete with him...we are living in different realities.

[BigShotBob]

Of course not. I'm not an idiot.

He'd be torching them though...a player with his skill level on a hot streak like this is going to torch even a great defensive team.

Why is that the standard though?

You think if you dropped the 92 Knicks in the league today they'd have any success at all with them shooting 7 threes a game or whatever the hell they did?

He'd be torching them until an elbow slams into his rib cage.

There's no big man alive that can guard Patrick Ewing so even while averaging 15-20 threes a game they'd still feast in the modern east.

[DMAVS41]

He'd be torching them until an elbow slams into his rib cage.

There's no big man alive that can guard Patrick Ewing so even while averaging 15-20 threes a game they'd still feast in the modern east.

They wouldn't feast on anything. They'd look terrible trying to play against teams that are actually spacing the floor and taking shots that make sense.

You could just double Ewing and force long 2's (remember, they'd be capped at taking like 7 threes a game)...they'd get smoked playing that style today.

This is my problem with the era stuff. We have to listen to how Murray couldn't do anything, but Chris Mullin and Mark Price and Dan Majerle could (all 3 made the all-star team in 92)...just doesn't compute for those of us that actually watched these guys play...and I'm not dogging those guys. They were really good players. But there is no reason to think they could excel, but the players today couldn't.

[Shooter]

He'd be torching them until an elbow slams into his rib cage.

There's no big man alive that can guard Patrick Ewing so even while averaging 15-20 threes a game they'd still feast in the modern east.

Didn't the Bulls stop him every year? So just need a Bill Cartright or Bill Wennington and we're good :lol

http://history.bulls.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/bill-wennington.png

[AirBonner]

Both are deadlier offensively than MJ

[Shooter]

Both are deadlier offensively than MJ

They can shoot and they didn't get their points against John Starks or Craig Ehlo :lol

[AirBonner]

They can shoot and they didn't get their points against John Starks or Craig Ehlo :lol

Right?! Imagine if MJ had to face a player on his level and not scrubs. This is a preview of what it would be like if MJ played against a prime Wade

[NuggetsFan]

I'll never understand this thinking. I'm a Nuggets fan. Have been watching for over 15 years now. We've been terrible defensively at times. It's not the first year. Yet people obsess over era. It's for sure easier to score but Mitchell has probably had the best series or one of the best series I've ever watched vs us. Regardless of era. Same goes for Murray. I don't get how you can see the step back 3's and think it's just the era. I remember a time when players would literally brick open 3 after open 3. I watched Melo shoot under 50% when he got 8 open midrange J's in a game .. and nobody blinked an eye because it was normal.

These guys are hitting ridiculous shots regardless of the defense. Just unusual hot streaks. Wouldn't shock me to see brick city in game 7. Between the NBA bubble, racial tension etc. there's absolutely outside factors at play right now because there hitting shots that your average NBA player would brick in your local YMCA.

[L.Kizzle]

I think a lot of these players are playing better than usual because there is no pressure. No lights, no crowd, no distractions.

Murray and Mitchell are playing ridiculous. 4 of Murray's 5 highest scoring games have happened in this series. I think he's had only one 40 point game 2 years ago. His high in the regular season was 38 I think.

This doesn't happen. He's not even an All-Star for crying out loud.

Some of the games greatest scorers never put up 50 points in a playoff game. We have 2 guys who've done it twice. And I wouldn't be surprised if they both go for 50 in game 7.

[Hey Yo]

Honestly how are we to interpret the crazy bubble stats?

No matter what, it seems like the offensive explosion and EFFICIENCY to go along with it has never happened before. I know we are still finishing the first round, but we legit have many guys putting up there best playoff series ever.
This.

[insight]

I'll never understand this thinking. I'm a Nuggets fan. Have been watching for over 15 years now. We've been terrible defensively at times. It's not the first year. Yet people obsess over era. It's for sure easier to score but Mitchell has probably had the best series or one of the best series I've ever watched vs us. Regardless of era. Same goes for Murray. I don't get how you can see the step back 3's and think it's just the era. I remember a time when players would literally brick open 3 after open 3. I watched Melo shoot under 50% when he got 8 open midrange J's in a game .. and nobody blinked an eye because it was normal.

These guys are hitting ridiculous shots regardless of the defense. Just unusual hot streaks. Wouldn't shock me to see brick city in game 7. Between the NBA bubble, racial tension etc. there's absolutely outside factors at play right now because there hitting shots that your average NBA player would brick in your local YMCA.

Most pros can hit an open shots, but it's a different story when the defender sticks their foot in your landing space forcing you to pay attention to where you land. It's easier to score layouts without Elbows ,forearms and knees flying at you as you drive to the bucket. When someone is able to hand check you, or there is no restricted area under the basket it's harder to score. Who knows how Murray and Mitchell would do in that ERA, they are highly skilled but it took more than skill to be successful in previous eras.

[AussieSteve]

Both of them dropped 3 40+ point performances, and 2 50+ point performances.

If either of them was on the same team as LeBron you'd be talking them up as ATGs in the same way you do Kyrie.

High scoring guards are a dime a dozen in today's league. Kyrie, Kemba, Dame, Jamal, Mitchell, Beal, Booker etc.. they're all on the same tier. Put them on a team where they are the primary scorer and give them the green light and they could all score 30+ ppg. But none of them are leading a team on a deep playoff run as the best player on the team.

[hold this L]

The rules have clearly turned the sport into a joke and is one of the primary reasons ratings keep going down on an annual basis. This is what happens when you a let a guy that was never even picked for the bench in any sports game like Silver become the president of the sport. This guy thinks that just having higher numbers will relate to higher viewings.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

The rules have clearly turned the sport into a joke and is one of the primary reasons ratings keep going down on an annual basis. This is what happens when you a let a guy that was never even picked for the bench in any sports game like Silver become the president of the sport. This guy thinks that just having higher numbers will relate to higher viewings.

Good post. Its time to allow teams to play defense again.

[GimmeThat]

if high scoring games generating Ws, don't get the pay bump because they didn't upset anyone. not sure why people can't call it as it is, a bad coaching job vs a choking job

[Manny98]

This is what happens when players can consistently shoot outside 15 feet

[Penetrator]

It's because there is no crowd in the bubble. It's like training for these guys or a scrimmage game essentially..
Less pressure, no home court advantages or travel.

Of course they will be shooting it better.

[Marchesk]

Both are deadlier offensively than MJ

Deadlier scorers than Lebron as well.

[Marchesk]

The thing as that you don't even have to compare Mitchell and Murray to past eras. Even for this era nobody else has put up multiple 50 point games, and they've done that in one series plus an additional 44+ game. Are we really going to say these two are better playoff scorers than Durant, Lebron, Curry, Kawhi, Harden?

[warriorfan]

This forum can be unbelievably cancerous. First page is seriously horrendous. It’s also funny to see DMAV with his little agenda so people don’t write off Lukas stats. :oldlol:

[Axe]

Jordan's not that great...He feasted on weak defenders in a watered down era. Still #2 anyway

https://i.postimg.cc/DfN1tDcw/GOAT-Mountain.png
Seriously, you think that's worse than choking against a 33 y.o. jason terry in the finals.

[E_Stamkos]

I'm not overly enthused by the current game and long for the days where a post-up arsenal was relevant and role players didn't have free reigns to jack up 15 threes per game.

But at this point, you might as well just set that shit aside and appreciate the game for what it is. These guys are super impressive.

[Shogon]

The rules have clearly turned the sport into a joke and is one of the primary reasons ratings keep going down on an annual basis. This is what happens when you a let a guy that was never even picked for the bench in any sports game like Silver become the president of the sport. This guy thinks that just having higher numbers will relate to higher viewings.

Are you ****ing kidding me?

It has nothing to do with Adam Silver and everything to do with the NBA desperately trying to manufacture the new guy to take the reigns from LeBron... they did the same shit a few years after Jordan retired, which benefitted LeBron's entire career.

Between teams figuring out the math behind three point shooting and the league issuing rules to make it borderline impossible to play perimeter defense, the league has gone to shit because perimeter players are escorted to the basket every other damn trip down the floor.

It's not Adam Silver. It's the league understanding that their collective ratings are based on 1 guy and they go into the tank without that 1 guy.

The league does not currently have that next megastar, of which there have been precisely 2 in league history. And they aren't likely to get him for quite some time. People find perimeter players more relatable, so they try to inflate them up. It's pretty simple.

Stern was doing the same thing. It's a league desperately trying to hold onto their revenue and ratings but it doesn't matter, because nothing they can do will do change the fact that the next megastar probably isn't even on the horizon yet.

But in terms of psychotic competitiveness, talent AND skill, we already saw the peak of this back in the late 80s and 90s, no matter how hard they try.

[Marchesk]

The league does not currently have that next megastar, of which there have been precisely 2 in league history. And they aren't likely to get him for quite some time. People find perimeter players more relatable, so they try to inflate them up. It's pretty simple..

Zion is supposed to be it, if he can stay healthy enough. He already has the hype and marketing. Fans also love super explosive athletes who can provide highlight reels.

But Luka might do.

[Marchesk]

I'm not overly enthused by the current game and long for the days where a post-up arsenal was relevant and role players didn't have free reigns to jack up 15 threes per game.

But at this point, you might as well just set that shit aside and appreciate the game for what it is. These guys are super impressive.

You're right. Better to enjoy what we have.

[Axe]

Zion is supposed to be it, if he can stay healthy enough. He already has the hype and marketing. Fans also love super explosive athletes who can provide highlight reels.

But Luka might do.
Or to a lesser extent, ja morant. Someone with a potential of his own.

[Stephonit]

Players today are more skilled from distance. Simple as that.

[Axe]

Players today are more skilled from distance. Simple as that.
Of course duh.

[Bronbron23]

Of course he does. Just like everyone before him played with certain rules...he's no different. He should be compared to his peers and not other eras with different rules.

He also has adopted a far more optimal offensive game based on the math of the game.......you guys have to understand how much harder it is to guard a guy that can take 12 threes like this. Yes, the older defensive rules would make it harder on him, but trying to guard a player as skilled as him that you have to pick up essentially at half court is extremely difficult.

They still had fouls in the 90's...some of you need to remember that.

Didn't Chris Mullin average like 27 a game over a 5 year stretch in the exact time you guys are referencing? I bet he didn't even take more than 3 threes a game. I love Mullin, but if you are telling me that guys like Mitchell and Murray just couldn't compete with him...we are living in different realities.

Well hes obviously talented. Its not like im saying he'd be a bum in a different era. It would just be alot harder to get his shot off. As good as he and Murray are neither are as good as steph and look how hard it is for him to ger a shot off in the more physical finals compared to the regular season. So far these playoffs they arnt allowing for more physical play. You still cant even fight through a screen and these guys use screens about 80% of the time to get their shot off. How can you defend shooters as good as these guys without being aloud to fight through a screen? Its impossible.

And if you switch which you pretty much have to now, your left with a worse defender who cant defend a guard anyway and is scared to contest because you cant land anywhere near the shooter who will most likely flop and get the call if you do. They've pretty much made it impossible to defend perimeter shooters which is what they wanted.

[Bronbron23]

if era is garbage, why arent kawhi and harden putting up 50+ every game

its not garbage its just way harder to defend the perimeter with these rules. Allow defenders to fight through screens, contest and body and hand check a little and you'd see a huge difference in production from guys like murry and Mitchell. They would still be very good dont get me wrong bit you wouldn't be seeing what we've seen so far.

[guy]

Murray and Mitchell are definitely balling. With that said, by the numbers, the both of them are literally having arguably the 2 greatest scoring performances in a playoff series in history. The 2 greatest....in the same series. The chances of that just being a coincidence are incredibly low. Clearly it has something to do with the era/rules/bubble/etc.

[tontoz]

These two are 22/23 years old. They are good and getting better. They could be seen as first tier stars in the near future.

Having watched the league 20-30 years ago i think there is more depth now. Plus young guys today pick up moves from old guys. For example Steve Smith used to be a big, slow guard with good skill. He started using a hesitation move (which he calls the Smitty) to get past guys. I see guys using that move a lot now.

Saying it is just the rules is a copout to avoid giving credit to today's players.

[Shogon]

You're right. Better to enjoy what we have.

Neither Zion nor Luka have the upside to reach the heights of LeBron, let alone MJ.

Like I said... there have been two megastars in league history. The league doesn't have someone in the pipeline.

They both may end up great players but it's pretty clear that they don't have that 'it' factor to reach THAT level. Hell, not that I think Zion will specifically, though Luka just might though it's ridiculously stupid early... but hypothetically speaking... they... or someone else... could go down as top 10 player of all time and not reach THAT level.

Two megastars in league history. That's it. No more, no less.

[tpols]

Neither Zion nor Luka have the upside to reach the heights of LeBron, let alone MJ.

Like I said... there have been two megastars in league history. The league doesn't have someone in the pipeline.

Magic Bird Wilt and Kareem were definitely mega stars.

[Marchesk]

Neither Zion nor Luka have the upside to reach the heights of LeBron, let alone MJ.

Like I said... there have been two megastars in league history. The league doesn't have someone in the pipeline.

They both may end up great players but it's pretty clear that they don't have that 'it' factor to reach THAT level. Hell, not that I think Zion will specifically, but they could both go down as top 10 players of all time and not reach THAT level.

Why would the league have the next megastar if there's only been two? That's like a once in a 30 years player. Wasn't the Magic/Bird combo megastar? Kobe didn't qualify?

[Marchesk]

Magic Bird Wilt and Kareem were definitely mega stars.

Dr. J probably as well for a time?

[tontoz]

Why would the league have the next megastar if there's only been two? That's like a once in a 30 years player. Wasn't the Magic/Bird combo megastar? Kobe didn't qualify?


Magic and Bird weren't as good as Lebron but i would argue they were bigger stars at least in terms of popularity. They were icons and widely seen as saving the league. Finals games werent even televised live when they came into the league.

[Shogon]

Magic Bird Wilt and Kareem were definitely mega stars.

No, they were not.


Why would the league have the next megastar if there's only been two? That's like a once in a 30 years player. Wasn't the Magic/Bird combo megastar? Kobe didn't qualify?

No, none of those guys qualified.

Kobe was close but he wasn't there. He was just an MJ replica who played on the biggest market team and was fortunate to have Shaq.

If Kobe were on the Magic the entire time and pulled out 2 titles as he did post Shaq, he would be a foot note in NBA history to people that aren't basketball fans.



LeBron James has people literally hanging from his nuts 24/7... it was the same with MJ.

Neither Bird nor Magic had that, as popular as they were... Kareem certainly didn't.



I'm not even talking about how good they were as players, let's not confuse this... because I think Russell was better than both.

But...

I'm just talking about stardom level.

Two in league history. LeBron & MJ. That is literally it. They are in a category alone. Anyone being honest about this knows it.

[ralph_i_el]

1. These guys are really really good, and basically just came off an off-season, so you expect a jump

2. Neither of these teams have played anyone that is a really tough defender on combo guards. Utah has Gobert, but a guard like Murray is too good on the perimeter to be overly effected by the DPoY

3. The pace is high which inflates numbers

4. Jokic/Murray two man game works really well for Murray. Who knows how good he looks elsewhere.

[DMAVS41]

Well hes obviously talented. Its not like im saying he'd be a bum in a different era. It would just be alot harder to get his shot off. As good as he and Murray are neither are as good as steph and look how hard it is for him to ger a shot off in the more physical finals compared to the regular season. So far these playoffs they arnt allowing for more physical play. You still cant even fight through a screen and these guys use screens about 80% of the time to get their shot off. How can you defend shooters as good as these guys without being aloud to fight through a screen? Its impossible.

And if you switch which you pretty much have to now, your left with a worse defender who cant defend a guard anyway and is scared to contest because you cant land anywhere near the shooter who will most likely flop and get the call if you do. They've pretty much made it impossible to defend perimeter shooters which is what they wanted.

I agree...the rules have made it easier to score. I have never denied that.

In addition to that, teams play way better offense now. They don't take as many bad long 2's...they take threes...and they space the floor out which is much harder to guard.

And similar to the rules making it easier now...defense was easier back in the day...not only because of rules that made it easier to defend, but because teams artificially shrunk the court so spacing was not optimal...and took a bunch of long shots only worth 2 points and not 3.

So I likely agree with a lot of what you'll say about this era, but it goes both ways...and I think most people on here don't acknowledge that.

[r0drig0lac]

garbage era? no way, era that physical defense in the perimeter is not allowed, creating a ripple effect that increases the statistics of the players in the perimeter? no doubt
the league moved the "sliders" so much to ensure increased stats and ease for players in the perimeter that unbalanced the game. Is still a great series for both players (as well as for Luka) but at any era officialized otherwise, it would certainly not occur.

[Vino24]

It’s better than Jordan-esque. Imagine MJ shooting 80% from midrange. That’s the equivalent

[Clifton]

Honestly how are we to interpret the crazy bubble stats?

No matter what, it seems like the offensive explosion and EFFICIENCY to go along with it has never happened before. I know we are still finishing the first round, but we legit have many guys putting up there best playoff series ever.
With an unofficial asterisk because of the changed conditions. These guys are playing in an empty gym, not traveling, not having to deal with family, friends, groupies, reporters. Furthermore, because of the social justice thing, players are taking it easier on each other. Murray showed up with Breonna Taylor's face painted on his sneakers. You think someone's clotheslining him on a drive to the basket? This has never been the case any other season and likely never will again.

They moved in the 3pt line for a couple years in the 90s. The shots still went in and counted for 3 points. Nobody's taking them away. But if someone's % or rate of makes spiked in those two years, it has to be mentioned.

Murray's a streaky shooter playing in an empty gym. He's never done this before, and, sneak preview of the future, he's not going to do it after this year, either. I'm not saying he's not good. But any other year these 50 point games are 40 point games, and the 40 point games are 30 point games. And when he fails to crack 20 because he's totally dependent on a streaky jumpshot to score, that's who he is too.

[Roundball_Rock]

It is a joke. Both are shooting 73% TS on high volume.

[red1]

both of these teams are playing shitty defense as well.

chuck said it last night - if a player is cooking you then why wouldn't you double-team or get it out of their hands them more often?

the jazz starting doubling at the very end of the game when it was already nearly over.

[Marchesk]

It is a joke. Both are shooting 73% TS on high volume.

That's peak Curry efficiency. No way these two dudes are as skilled scorers as Steph.

[guy]

Neither Zion nor Luka have the upside to reach the heights of LeBron, let alone MJ.

Like I said... there have been two megastars in league history. The league doesn't have someone in the pipeline.

They both may end up great players but it's pretty clear that they don't have that 'it' factor to reach THAT level. Hell, not that I think Zion will specifically, though Luka just might though it's ridiculously stupid early... but hypothetically speaking... they... or someone else... could go down as top 10 player of all time and not reach THAT level.

Two megastars in league history. That's it. No more, no less.

Not sure how Lebron was any more popular then Kobe. They are about the same. And they both trail Jordan pretty significantly. So its either 1 megastar or 3 in my opinion as those 3 are clearly the most popular in history.

Either way, I see your point. Even though the league dipped in popularity after Jordan retired, it still had Kobe and Shaq to lift it up, then as Shaq declined, it was Kobe and Lebron, and as Kobe declined, they still had Lebron. So who's next? Steph, Durant, Harden, Westbrook have already peaked and people aren't just going to start caring about them more once Lebron leaves. Kawhi obviously doesn't have the personality, not too mention he's injury prone and already close to 30. I doubt people in the US will connect with Giannis or Luka. Zion will be too injury prone regardless. So yes, the NBA is in potential trouble.

[PP34Deuce]

Honestly, it's the bubble with no fans. I feel like every player elevates when they don't have to deal with heckling and outside elements.

[DMAVS41]

That's peak Curry efficiency. No way these two dudes are as skilled scorers as Steph.

Why would they have to be? It has been 6 games against poor defense in perfect conditions. Murray has games of 12 and 14 points in this series as well.

You don't have to be as skilled or as good as Steph or another all-time great player to do something crazy for a series....especially with these circumstances.

[Doranku]

No, they were not.



No, none of those guys qualified.

Kobe was close but he wasn't there. He was just an MJ replica who played on the biggest market team and was fortunate to have Shaq.

If Kobe were on the Magic the entire time and pulled out 2 titles as he did post Shaq, he would be a foot note in NBA history to people that aren't basketball fans.



LeBron James has people literally hanging from his nuts 24/7... it was the same with MJ.

Neither Bird nor Magic had that, as popular as they were... Kareem certainly didn't.



I'm not even talking about how good they were as players, let's not confuse this... because I think Russell was better than both.

But...

I'm just talking about stardom level.

Two in league history. LeBron & MJ. That is literally it. They are in a category alone. Anyone being honest about this knows it.

Pretty ridiculous. :lol When Kobe and Bran were both close to their primes in the late '00s, Kobe was more popular. Bran's popularity only skyrocketed when he jumped ship and joined the Heatles and Kobe started declining.

[Xiao Yao You]

Mitchell and the Jazz will finalize a max extension when free agency opens in mid-October, (https://sports.yahoo.com/the-utah-jazz-arent-done-inside-donovan-mitchells-night-of-disappointment-144653183.html) league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Nuggets overcame a 3-1 first-round series deficit by winning Game 7 on Tuesday night. They face the Los Angeles Clippers (+275 to win it all at BetMGM) in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs starting Thursday. “It was a great battle,” Murray said. “I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. [Mitchell] played so good in every game. He put pressure on our defense to mix it up. He played with that fight, he played with that heart.”
– via Chris Haynes @ Yahoo! Sports (https://sports.yahoo.com/the-utah-jazz-arent-done-inside-donovan-mitchells-night-of-disappointment-144653183.html)





sorry Knicks

[Bronbron23]

I agree...the rules have made it easier to score. I have never denied that.

In addition to that, teams play way better offense now. They don't take as many bad long 2's...they take threes...and they space the floor out which is much harder to guard.

And similar to the rules making it easier now...defense was easier back in the day...not only because of rules that made it easier to defend, but because teams artificially shrunk the court so spacing was not optimal...and took a bunch of long shots only worth 2 points and not 3.

So I likely agree with a lot of what you'll say about this era, but it goes both ways...and I think most people on here don't acknowledge that.

Yeah it definitely goes both ways although im not sure all offenses are better concerning the 3>2 offensive principle. It definitely can be when used correctly. 3's aren't always greater than 2 is the main problem i have with it. Theres different circumstances where a mid or long 2 is better. Certain players and coaches dont seem to recognize this and will continue spamming 3's come hell or high water.

So while i agree some aspects of offenses now are better theres also some that isnt.

[DMAVS41]

Yeah it definitely goes both ways although im not sure all offenses are better concerning the 3>2 offensive principle. It definitely can be when used correctly. 3's aren't always greater than 2 is the main problem i have with it. Theres different circumstances where a mid or long 2 is better. Certain players and coaches dont seem to recognize this and will continue spamming 3's come hell or high water.

So while i agree some aspects of offenses now are better theres also some that isnt.

Of course specific circumstances would say a long 2 is better...if the game is tied and you are taking a shot at the buzzer...you want the the shot that has the highest percent chance to go in....so a long 2 might be way better than a 3 in that instance. Crunch time play when just getting a basket is super important...it can be better.

I'm talking broadly though...I think we'd all agree in certain circumstances all kinds of shots can be better or worse.

Broadly speaking...opening up the court and being harder to defend as a team...and getting an extra point for made shots from the 3...is a way better offensive strategy than taking a lot of long 2's and making yourself easier to defend.