The Thunder s three-pointers are failing but they are making more and more?

Since the start of the 2025-26 season, the Thunder have won six games. They are still the team with the best defensive efficiency and the fewest mistakes in the league.

But in addition to this, there is another data worth noting:

In the new season, they averaged 41.2 three-pointers per game, ranking ninth in the league, but they averaged 12.2 three-pointers per game, ranking 21st in the league, and their three-point shooting percentage was 29.6%, ranking last in the league. They are the only team among the 30 teams in the league with a shooting percentage below 30%.

Spreading the data, starting from the 2022-23 season when they entered the play-offs, the Thunder's average three-point shots per game and the proportion of three-pointers in total shots have continued to rise; from 36.9% of total shots in the 2022-23 season (18th in the league), to 41.9% last season (16th in the league), and then to 43.2% this season, the proportion has reached 12th in the league.

But in contrast, because the three-point shooting rate so far this season is only 29.6%, which is too low, the Thunder's points from three-pointers only account for 30.5% of the total points. This is also the lowest level in the past four seasons, ranking 21st in the league.

The league has the 12th highest percentage of three-point outside shots, but the percentage of three-pointers scored in exchange ranks 21st in the league. It even drags down the team's offensive efficiency. The Thunder's current offensive efficiency is 114, ranking only 20th in the league.

Fortunately, relying on their increasingly stable control of the game rhythm and their still top level of error control, the Thunder still created a net win efficiency of +9.9 through high-pressure opponents to score offense and defense transitions, allowing them to continue to maintain a winning record in the relatively easy opening schedule of the season.

From a team level, why do the Thunder take so many three-pointers with such a poor shooting percentage?

The reasons behind it are nothing more than:

1. To open up the space on the court and strive for breakthrough offensive opportunities for Alexander and other ball holders;

2. To create more long rebounds and alleviate the disadvantage of small lineups in rebounding statistics.

But if the three-point shooting rate continues to be sluggish, the effect of opening up the offensive space on the court will only become worse and worse. After the team's offensive and defensive system is stabilized and it can still create open scoring opportunities, we can only hope that as the season progresses and the lineup gradually becomes more complete, the team's outside shooting percentage can be adjusted back.

Referring to the previous game against the Wizards, shooter Isaiah Joe returned to the team and shot 5 of 9 three-pointers in the first game back. It is obvious that Alexander gained better space because he had an extra shooter with a large enough shooting threat. He posted an outstanding performance of 7 assists and 0 turnovers.

From this perspective, several role players in the team who take more three-pointers but lower their shooting percentage may need to find their touch as soon as possible in subsequent games:

Caruso averages 4.7 three-pointers per game and his three-point shooting percentage is 28.6%, which is a 6.7% decrease compared to last season;

Alexander averages three-pointers per game. 6 times, with a three-point shooting percentage of 27.8%, a decrease of 9.7% compared to last season;

Jaylin Williams averaged 4 shots per game, and a three-point shooting percentage of 20.8%, a decrease of 19.1% from last season;

Dort averaged 5.5 shots per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 18.2%, a decrease of 23% from last season.

This is especially true for Dort, whose shot selection and shooting percentage have continued to improve in the first six seasons of his career, and this season has directly dropped to a career low.

Judging from the game process, there are no problems with his shot selection and shooting movements. As the game progresses, the shooting rate should still be likely to increase and return.

Especially considering that his contract for next season has a team option, it would be quite dangerous if he continues to maintain such a sluggish performance.