Move over Splash Bros: Cavs are best shooting team in the league

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a history of being an elite shooting team. The second edition of the LeBron James title contenders lit the world on fire surrounding The King with shooters, including setting the NBA record for the most 3-pointers in a playoff game when the Cavs poured in 25 3-pointers in a blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks in 2016.

Since James left, however, that magic has fizzled out. The Cavs have finished 20th, 21st, 29th and 20th in made 3-pointers over the past four seasons, and perhaps not coincidentally missed the playoffs in all four.

In the modern NBA, shooting often equals success; it’s why the 2015-19 Cavaliers succeeded around LeBron, and it’s the central component to the success of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. The Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, are the best-shooting backcourt in NBA history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have improved as a 3-point shooting team this season. The Cavs are lighting opponents up and breaking records along the way.

If the Cavs wanted to be a true contender, they had to figure out how to improve as a shooting team. That’s easier said than done when you build your team around two seven-footers inside. Yet the Cavs have not only improved as a shooting team, they have excelled, and it has led to their 5-1 start and a spot among the NBA’s best teams. How impressive have this season’s Cavs been beyond the arc? They have been record-breaking, league-leading, and there is only more to come.