Analytics and trends
The measurements behind the choices, and what has changed recently. Every claim here carries a source.
All families · 3 terms · 1 full, 1 partial, 1 short
Corner three
A three-point attempt from the corner, where the line is closest to the rim.
Why it is run. The three-point line is an arc cut off by the sidelines, so a corner three is taken from 22 feet rather than 23 feet 9 inches and is worth the same three points; it is also the shot the weak-side helper has to leave to guard.
What beats it. A defense that never leaves the corner, which concedes the drive; or an X-out rotation that covers the corner with a different defender than the one who helped.
Gravity
The pull a shooter exerts on defenders who will not leave him, which opens space for teammates.
Why it is run. A defender who will not leave a shooter is a defender who is not helping, so a shooter’s value shows up in shots other players take; it is why five players on the arc create nothing unless their defenders have to respect them.
Points per possession
Also: PPP, efficiency
Points scored divided by possessions used; the standard measure of how good a shot, a play type or a lineup is.