Unpacking Gary Trent Jr.'s Three-Point Onslaught in the Bucks' Film Room
Gary Trent Jr.'s start with the Milwaukee Bucks was less than ideal. After missing out on the multi-year contract he desired and joining a team struggling with a 4-9 start, he found himself in a shooting slump, connecting on just 27.5% of his three-point attempts in the first 13 games. Ranking 107th among 114 players with at least 50 three-point attempts during that span, Trent Jr.'s dismal performance tanked his confidence and cost him his starting spot.
However, head coach Doc Rivers remained confident in Trent Jr.'s abilities as a shooter. That faith proved to be rewarding. Since November 17th, Trent Jr. has taken the NBA by storm, becoming the league's hottest three-point shooter. Among 152 players with at least 100 three-point attempts in that span, Trent Jr. tops the list, knocking down an astonishing 50 percent of his shots from beyond the arc.
This resurgence was on full display against the Miami Heat. Trent Jr. torched the Heat, scorching the nets with an impressive seven three-pointers, tying his career-high, on just ten attempts. His efficiency offered a much-needed spark for a Bucks team fresh off an unexpected three-day layoff due to weather delays.
Let's dissect Trent Jr.'s shooting genius against the Heat.
Mastering the Art of Transition Threes
The Bucks' dynamic duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trent Jr. is a sight to behold in transition. With Antetokounmpo's quickness and explosiveness, Milwaukee boasts one of the NBA's most lethal transition finishers, while Trent Jr. plays the role of the league's most dangerous transition shooter.
According to NBA.com, Trent Jr.'s ability to capitalize on early offense has been phenomenal, with a 40.6% conversion rate on three-point attempts within the first six seconds of the shot clock[1]. While not all these opportunities come from traditional transition scenarios, this stat highlights his knack for scoring quickly and keeping defenses scrambling.
Against Miami, two of Trent Jr.'s first-half threes came from transition opportunities. The first one came off a Heat turnover, with Taurean Prince securing the loose ball and dishing it off to Trent Jr., who wasted no time in drilling a triple with a weak closeout from Bam Adebayo.
Less than five minutes later, Pat Connaughton grabbed a rebound, sprinted up the court, and signaled for Ryan Rollins to move out of the way, creating an open lane for a pass to Trent Jr. A single dribble was all Trent Jr. needed to launch another three-pointer from deep.
Trent Jr.'s exceptional talent in transition makes him a headache for defenses that are still trying to get set up. His quick release and confidence under pressure make him nearly unstoppable.
The Power of Pull-Up Shooting
Trent Jr. may primarily be known as a catch-and-shoot weapon, but he's proven he can create his own opportunities, converting 41% of his pull-up three-pointers this season[2]. This ability to generate his own shot adds a valuable dimension to his game, keeping defenders on their toes and preventing him from becoming one-dimensional.
Here's an example of Trent Jr.'s pull-up prowess. Bobby Portis receives a pass at the top of the key from Connaughton, turns, and initiates a dribble handoff with Trent Jr. The tactic is designed to catch defenders off-guard and create space for Trent Jr. to pull up and shoot.
Using the dribble handoff to his advantage, Trent Jr. explodes off the screen, sees an open crease, and aren't we glad he pulled the trigger? Another successful pull-up three-pointer for the budding star.
Trent Jr.'s dynamic transition shooting and pull-up game have transformed him into a feared three-point threat for opposing teams, and his impressive statistics have warranted attention from around the league.
Under Doc Rivers' guidance, Trent Jr.'s rise to prominence as one of the NBA's elite shooters has rescued both his season and his reputation after a rocky start. His hot streak has demonstrated why he chose to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks, and his value as a highly-skilled three-point shooter has never been more apparent.
As Trent Jr. continues to torch nets and help the Bucks maintain a tightly-knit offensive attack, he is paving his path to a bigger payday and an extended career as a difference-maker for teams with championship aspirations.
Despite his initial struggles with the Milwaukee Bucks, Gary Trent Jr. has found a resurgence in his shooting form. Since November 17th, he has been the NBA's top three-point shooter, converting an impressive 50% of his attempts beyond the arc.
Trent Jr.'s transformation has been particularly evident in transition opportunities. Against the Miami Heat, he scored two of his first-half three-pointers from such scenarios, showcasing his quick release and ability to create space.
