Early surprises of the NBA season

From LeBron’s 3s to the Knicks' D

BY DAVID THORPE

LeBron James discovers his inner Stephen Curry

One of the biggest, strongest, fastest athletes in the history of planet Earth has made 41.2 percent of his 3-pointers over the first 18 games, while shooting more than ever, including a night making seven of 11 in Cleveland. And they were from all over. A clutch “logo” 3, stepback 3s, simple 3s. Some of his shots are literally off the shot chart. He still has a never-ending ability to drive and finish in traffic. (Riddle for the Clippers to solve before the playoffs: What can defenses do about all that?)

If LeBron had shot like this earlier in his career, it would have been unfair. For his career he has shot under 35 percent. In his one season above 40 percent from 3, he attempted only 3 per game. Now he’s shooting almost seven, and making them at a rate that not too long ago would have ranked in the league’s top ten. 

It’s certainly elite--and gets his team an expected 1.24 points per attempt in a way that isn’t too taxing f…