On Monday, the Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal made NBA history, by becoming the youngest player to make 700 three-pointers.
On Monday, the Washington Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks. At the same time, Bradley Beal became the youngest player in NBA history to make 700 three-pointers. Beal let his three-ball fly into the heavens, as he led Washington onto victory.
Over the summer, Beal said, that he didn’t want to be a one-dimensional player – someone’s who’s only known for his three-point shooting. He wants to attack the rim, and see the free throw line more often.
The sharpshooter can’t change his spots, he is who he is — a knockdown three-point shooter. But he could add some spots, and that’s what he has done this season. He has been aggressively driving the lanes, drawing contact, and seeing the free throw line more often.
Whether John Wall is playing injured (the warrior that he is), or resting because of his injury, Beal has been a constant for the Wizards’ franchise this season.
There was a time not too long ago, when fans feared that Beal would get injured. Not anymore — Draymond Green, Exhibit A.
It’s as if Beal welcomes contact, no matter the shape or size. With his improved ball handling skills, not only is he pushing the ball up the court, but he’s out there breaking ankles.
Opponents are not ready for this new Beal (that wasn’t part of the deal). They’re out there looking for him out on the perimeter, while he’s flying by them driving in for a layup. His inside game has reached new heights.
Whenever he has a game where he leads all scorers, many of his points have been inside the paint this season. But on Monday, Beal reminded everyone that he’s still “Beal with the three”, when he made history with his 700 career three-pointer.
Christopher Walken (Poolhall Junkies) said it best when it comes to the sharpshooter (paraphrased of course):
"‘You watch those nature documentaries on the cable? You got this lion. He’s laying under a tree, near the three-point line. He doesn’t want to move. Now the little lions come, they start messing with him. He doesn’t do anything. Coming over, trying to get him into foul trouble. Still nothing. Now the other animals, they notice this. They start to move in. The jackals; hyenas. They’re barking at him. They nip his sneakers, and eat the food that’s in his domain. They get closer and closer. Till one day, that lion spots up, and knocks down every three in his path. Cause every once in a while, the lion has to show the jackals, who he is.’"
Beal has become aggressive inside the paint, and he’s on track to having the best season of his career. He’s no longer the one-dimensional player, only taking outside shots. But on Monday he decided to remind everyone, the three-point line is still his domain. Enter at your own risk.