10 significant rule differences between NBA and Olympics basketball and it's ramifications

#9 Shorter 3-point line

Harrison Barnes should be smiling at the shorter 3 point line

The 3-pointer is a potent weapon in basketball. It serves as a strong equalizer and it can swing the momentum of a game in a matter of seconds. The 3-point line is shorter in international play, leading to mercurial momentum shifts.

USA coach Mike K has said, “The international game is not so much a paint game. It’s a lot of three-point shots.”

In the NBA, the 3-point line measures 23 feet and 9 inches at the top and 22 feet at the corners. In contrast, the 3-point line in international competitions ranges from 22 feet and 1.75 inches at the top of the arc and narrows to 21.8 feet and 8 inches at the corners.

Ramifications:

The conventional opinion would have it that international teams look to thrive from beyond the arc, but in the last two Olympic finals, USA has enjoyed a significant advantage from downtown. Check out the discrepancy in the USA's final games of the Olympics vs their opponents.

2012 Finals, USA 107-100 SpainUSA: 15-37Spain: 7-19USA win Finals by 7, 45-21 3-point-advantage

2008 Finals, USA 118- 107 SpainUSA: 13/28Spain: 8/17 USA win Finals by 11, 49-24 3-point-advantage

When they lost in 2004, they were outscored from 3-point-land.

2004- Semi Finals, Argentina 89-81 USAUSA: 3-11Argentina: 11-22USA lose Semis by 8, 9-33 3-point-disadvantage

Can it be that teams are more cautious with their attempts against USA? Or perhaps their perimeter defense discourages 3s. Whatever be the reason, it is clear that Team USA has fared well when it has taken advantage of the three-point line.

The phrase "Live and die by the three ball," has never held more sway than in international competition.