Lykkers, have you noticed the change on the court this season? For years, we saw teams launching three-pointers like there was no tomorrow. But in 2025, things feel different.

Teams are slowing the pace, feeding the post, and letting their big men go to work in the paint. It makes us wonder—is the three-point era finally fading? Let's break it down together and see if basketball is truly heading back to a center-focused strategy.

The rise of the three-point game

Just a few seasons ago, we were deep in the three-point revolution. Players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard changed the game by showing us how powerful a long-range shot could be. Teams built their entire offense around floor spacing, fast passes, and quick threes.

It worked. Offenses exploded. The game got faster and more exciting. Even big men started learning how to shoot from deep, just to stay relevant. But, as with all trends, things eventually start to swing the other way.

2025: The year of the center?

So far in 2025, we've seen something interesting. Centers like Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama are becoming the focal point again. It's not just about rebounds and defense anymore. These big men are leading in scoring, running plays through the high and low post, and forcing defenses to double-team.

Why? Because size still matters in basketball. A dominant center can slow down a game, draw fouls, and control the paint. And in a league that's gotten so used to defending the three, many teams aren't ready to stop a skilled big man going to work down low.

Fatigue and three-point inconsistency

Let's be real—shooting threes all game is tiring. When legs get heavy, the shots stop falling. Teams that rely too much on three-pointers can collapse quickly if they go cold.

In contrast, post play is more reliable. A good center can score efficiently even on off nights. That's why more coaches in 2025 are building around balance—mixing inside attacks with smart shooting instead of relying on threes alone.

Rule changes and physical play

The league has also adjusted the rules to allow a bit more physical contact in the paint this season. That gives centers a better chance to battle inside and discourages some of the softer perimeter fouls.

This shift encourages stronger, more physical play—perfect for dominant big men who thrive on body contact and footwork. It also creates space for guards to cut or drive when defenses collapse on the post.

Teams finding balance again

It's not that the three-pointer is gone. Shooters still matter. But what we're seeing is a return to balance. Teams like the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks are mixing inside-outside play beautifully. They use their centers to draw attention and then kick out to open shooters when the defense collapses.

Instead of living and dying by the three, many teams now treat it as just one part of the plan—not the only plan.

What does this mean for the future?

For young players and fans, this change is exciting. It means we'll see more variety in play styles. We'll see the beauty of footwork in the post, smart passing from big men, and classic pick-and-roll action that feels refreshing again.

And for us as fans, it means every game will feel a bit less predictable. One night a team might shoot lights out from deep. The next night, they might dominate in the paint.

So, what do you think?

Are we heading back to the age of big men, or is this just a temporary swing in strategy? We'd love to hear what you think. Do you miss the old-school center battles under the rim? Or do you still love the excitement of a deep three?

Drop your thoughts and let's talk basketball—because whether it's threes or post-ups, we're here for the game we love.