Does Three Point Shooting Percentage Affect Winning Percentage in the NBA?
Abstract
Since the 2012 season, the leader in three point shooting percentage has also been the leader in win percentage, in the NBA. With data from the National Basketball Association, this paper analyzes the effects of three point shot on winning percentage, using an OLS regression equation. This regression will measure three point shooting percentage and other on court statistics, such as rebounding and steals, and their effects on the dependent variable, winning percentage. The results show that increasing three point efficiency will drastically increase the winning percentage of teams. Given the recent increase in “run and gun” teams in the NBA this past decade such as the current Golden State Warriors, this paper will put the numbers behind this trend to determine if it is just a trend or a viable play style moving forward.
Does Three Point Shooting Percentage Affect Winning Percentage in the NBA?
Since the 2012 season, the leader in three point shooting percentage has also been the leader in win percentage, in the NBA. With data from the National Basketball Association, this paper analyzes the effects of three point shot on winning percentage, using an OLS regression equation. This regression will measure three point shooting percentage and other on court statistics, such as rebounding and steals, and their effects on the dependent variable, winning percentage. The results show that increasing three point efficiency will drastically increase the winning percentage of teams. Given the recent increase in “run and gun” teams in the NBA this past decade such as the current Golden State Warriors, this paper will put the numbers behind this trend to determine if it is just a trend or a viable play style moving forward.