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Message: [QUOTE="ConnEd, post: 4192744, member: 895"] 3’s are a better shot than mid-range 2’s across an entire team assuming the team can make 33% of their 3’s (equivalent to 50% shooting from 2). Over large samples that will be true. But, as we’ve seen, in a given game, a team may shoot 25% from 3. Now, their 2 pt equivalent is only 37.5% shooting. In that case, it might benefit the team to take most of its shots from 2 including mid-range shots assuming it can shoot more than 37.5% on those shots. Of course, you don’t know how you’re going to shoot for an entire game in the middle of the game. But it’s also true that shooting requires rhythm/feel. And if one or more of your 3-pt shooters doesn’t have it, one way to get it is to take (and make) easier jumpshots. Hawkins, for example, needs the confidence he gets from seeing his shot drop. I’d run plays to get him an elbow jumper or two every time he enters a game. Similarly, getting to the FT line can get you in that rhythm. Lastly, some players may just be highly proficient mid-range shooters that defy the stats, e.g. Rip, Cole. I wouldn’t push guys like that to shoot mostly 3’s when you can count on them being extraordinarily efficient in the mid-range. And, as others have stated, there’s something to be said for making the opposition have to defend the entire court and not just the lane and the arc. [/QUOTE]