Former Arizona Wildcat Lauri Markkanen sets a new NBA 3-point record
By David Rosen
Former Arizona Wildcat Lauri Markkanen just set a new NBA record for the most three-pointers in the first six games of an NBA career – 17!
The Finnisher! Just six games into his NBA career, Lauri Markkanen has already set a new NBA record – 17 three-pointers (now make that 20 in seven games with the Bulls victory over the Magic). Records are meant to be broken, but he made it look way too easy.
Wildcats fans were lucky enough to witness his athleticism first hand, now Chicago Bulls fans are getting to experience the same thing. This will be the first of many records he will break, and his fans from all over the globe will get to witness!
There are many comparisons out there in Markkanen’s style of play. The one you hear about the most would be Dirk Nowitzki. Both are big men, can shoot the ball from outside and can handle the ball as well.
Lauri Markkanen aka the tallest point guard in NBA history pic.twitter.com/lTlSVUPFUZ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 4, 2017
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It is too early to say if Markkanen will end up having the same type of hall of fame career Nowitzki has had, but it’s safe to say The Finnisher will be one the best three-point shooters in NBA history!
The way Markkanen shoots the ball from outside is simply beautiful to watch! You get the sense he has a lot of confidence in his shot right now, which is one of the main factors contributing to his high three-point percentage.
With confidence comes the respect he earns from his teammates and the rest of the league. Teams will have to respect his shooting ability from outside and will to have find ways to contain him.
🚨New record!@MarkkanenLauri has made 17 threes, the most by any player after 6 career NBA games. pic.twitter.com/QR1VsGcwzR
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 2, 2017
The Bulls currently sit at 2-5 and are 2nd to last in the Eastern Conference, but that has not prevented or distracted Markkanen from going out there and displaying his range and consistency from beyond the arc. His three-point shooting percentage is almost at 40% and has 47 attempts. The rest of Markkanen stats this season are solid.:
| Season | G | GS | MP | FG | FG% | 3P | 3P% | 2P | 2P% | FT | FT% | TRB | AST | STL | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | 6 | 6 | 32.5 | 5.7 | .447 | 2.8 | .395 | 2.8 | .515 | 3.0 | .783 | 9.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 17.2 |
| Career | 6 | 6 | 32.5 | 5.7 | .447 | 2.8 | .395 | 2.8 | .515 | 3.0 | .783 | 9.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 17.2 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 11/3/2017.
Scary to think that he is just a rookie! Just imagine in a few years the numbers he will put as long as he stays healthy and doesn’t have any serious injury. Markkanen isn’t the first Wildcat to wear a Bulls jersey and knock down three-pointers. You may have heard of him? Steve Kerr. Now the current coach of the NBA World Champions Golden State Warriors.
To put things in perspective, in Kerr’s first six NBA games as a member of the Phoenix Suns he only made four three-pointers, but to his credit, he did go on to set a couple NBA three-point records:
- Highest three-point percentage in a season at 52.4% (was broken in 2010 by Kyle Korver
- Highest three-point percentage, 45.4%, for anyone who had at least 250 three-point shots made.
Must Read: More on Cats in the pros
Time will tell to see what type of NBA career Markkanen will have, but right now he is on fire! The Finnisher is living up to his name and making sure he “finishes” his shots. Bear Down!