In the NBA of the 21st Century, as usage of the three-point shot has more than doubled (from 17 percent of all FGA’s in 2000-01 to this season’s 37 or 38 percent), a most reliable indicator that a team will qualify for the Playoffs is a Top Ten ranking in both making AND defending the three-ball.
After six weeks of play (through Tuesday, Dec. 3), there are five members of this club. The Heat (No. 3 & No. 2) and Raptors (No. 2 & No. 5) sit at the head table, while Utah (No. 5 & No. 9), Dallas (No.