Though the New York Knicks lost to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, they did manage to set a record. No, that record wasn't most belts put on by an opponent.
The Knicks became the most prolific 3-point shooting team in NBA history (the rule was added in 1979-80) with their seven made 3-pointers. They have 847 made 3-point shots on the season, passing the 2009-10 Orlando Magic that knocked down 841 from downtown. The extra six made 3-pointers have come on just 10 more attempts than that Magic team. The Knicks have a slightly higher 3-point percentage than the 2009-10 Magic, 37.6 percent to 37.5.
New York is also likely to break the record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season. The 2008-09 Knicks team holds the NBA record with 2,284 attempts in a season, just 33 attempts ahead of the current Knicks team. Since this squad averages 28.9 3-point attempts and has four games remaining, it's a pretty safe bet they'll obliterate that record as well.
Only seven teams in NBA history have made at least 800 3-pointers in a season, and six of those teams ended up making the playoffs. It was the 2008-09 Knicks team that failed to qualify. All seven of those teams have accomplished this since the 2005-06 season.
The 2005-06 Phoenix Suns (837 makes) and 2009-10 Magic (841) both made their respective conference finals during their prolific seasons. The 2008-09 Magic (817) ended up making the Finals. The 2007-08 Magic (801) lost in the second round. This season, the Knicks and the Houston Rockets (824) will try to keep up the tradition and at least make the second round with their 3-point shooting ways.
