How many 3-pointers did Tim Duncan make?

By Edcel Panganiban May 02, 2024 11:35

Tim Duncan, widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, is not typically known for his 3-point shooting prowess. However, his impact from beyond the arc and his career 3-point statistics reveal an intriguing aspect of his game.

Total Number of 3-Pointers Made

Over the course of his illustrious career, Tim Duncan made a total of 30 3-pointers.

This statistic might come as a surprise to many, as Duncan was primarily recognized for his dominant presence in the post and mid-range game, rather than his proficiency from beyond the arc. His 3-point shooting frequency was relatively low, attempting less than one three per contest throughout the bulk of his career.

Shooting Percentage

Duncan's 3-point shooting percentage was 17.9% over his NBA career. While this percentage may not stand out as particularly impressive compared to prolific 3-point shooters, it does provide insight into a facet of Duncan's game that was utilized sparingly but still contributed to his overall offensive repertoire.

Despite not being a high-volume 3-point shooter, the fact that he maintained a nearly 18% success rate from beyond the arc is a testament to his shooting ability.

Impact of 3-Point Shooting

Duncan's 3-point shooting, though not a defining aspect of his game, added a layer of versatility to his offensive skill set.

While he was primarily known for his dominant presence in the paint and his bank shot, his ability to stretch the floor with occasional 3-pointers forced defenses to respect his range, thereby creating additional space for his teammates to operate.

This subtle impact on floor spacing and defensive rotations further highlighted Duncan's basketball IQ and unselfish approach to the game.

Notable Achievements and Records

Despite not being known for his 3-point shooting, Tim Duncan's career is adorned with numerous accolades and records that underscore his impact on the game. Some notable achievements and records related to his 3-point shooting include:

Duncan's career-high in 3-pointers made in a single season was 0.3 per game, achieved during the 2001-02 season.
His only 50-point game of his career came against the Dallas Mavericks in 2001, during which he scored 53 points without attempting a single 3-pointer, showcasing his dominant inside scoring ability.
Duncan's consistency and impact on the Spurs were reflected in the team's exceptional winning percentage of 71% in regular-season games since drafting him, the highest in the league during his career and the best 19-year stretch of winning in NBA history.

Shooting Style and Impact on Team Performance

Duncan's shooting style was characterized by his exceptional footwork, fundamental mechanics, and a reliable mid-range and bank shot. While his 3-point shooting was not a primary focus, his ability to knock down the occasional long-range shot added an element of unpredictability to his offensive game, making it more challenging for defenders to anticipate his moves.

The respect he garnered from opposing defenses due to his 3-point shooting ability indirectly benefited his teammates by creating additional spacing and opportunities on the floor.

While Tim Duncan's 3-point shooting statistics may not be the focal point of his legendary career, they provide valuable insights into the multi-dimensional nature of his offensive skill set.

His impact from beyond the arc, though modest in quantity, contributed to his overall effectiveness on the court and reflected his adaptability as a player. Duncan's ability to seamlessly integrate 3-point shooting into his game, in conjunction with his dominant presence in the paint, further solidifies his status as one of the most versatile and impactful players in NBA history.