The defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers are off to an impressive start from the three-point line through their first eleven games of the season. In fact, it’s the best start in league history.
Over their 9-2 start, the Cavs are averaging 13.2 made three-pointers per game. Last season, the Golden State Warriors set an NBA record with 13.1 made three-pointers per contest. Can the Cavs top Golden State’s record-breaking achievement from last year? Cavaliers Head Coach Tyronn Lue seems to think it’s possible.
In an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Coach Lue expressed his optimism, saying:
“We have a lot of great shooters. I think we can even make more shots. I think we’re missing a lot of open shots that we normally make. It’s going to come once the season gets going. I think our shots will come along a lot better.”
Coach Lue may be onto something…
J.R. Smith, Cleveland’s best three-point shooter, has made just 36.4 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc this season. Last season, Smith connected on 40% of his three-point shots. In addition, after last year’s All Star break, JR has the second most made three-point field goals right behind record-holder Stephen Curry.
Mike Dunleavy made 39.4% of his attempts from three-point territory last season. His numbers have fallen to 27% through Cleveland’s first ten games.
Richard Jefferson’s averages from the three-point line are also down from the 38.2% mark he posted last year. Through the first ten games of this year’s campaign, Jefferson is shooting the three-ball at a 23.5% clip.
One player who has shot the three-ball well for Cleveland through their first ten games of the season is Channing Frye. His ability to stretch the floor creates a lot of spacing problems for opposing sides. An early hot hand has Frye shooting at a 48% clip from beyond the arc.
If the Cavs can manage to stay healthy and get some of their shooters going from the three-point line, they may indeed have a shot at breaking Golden State’s record.