The second coming of the NBA’s 3-point revolution will take center stage Thursday night in Chicago when the Timberwolves battle with the Bulls.

Two teams that lagged in the 3-point race as recently as last season have made concerted efforts to increase their volume from distance this season with large levels of success.

During the 2023-24 campaign, the Wolves were 23rd in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game (32.7), while Chicago was 26th (32.1).

Through seven games this fall, both are in the top five (Chicago is third at 43.1 attempts and Minnesota is fifth at 40.6). Both teams are thriving with volume and efficiency, each easily shooting north of 38% from 3-point range, with Minnesota actually a tick above 39%.

The teams are winning the math equation on a nightly basis. Because opponents are shooting 31.3% from beyond the arc against both teams. Minnesota is scoring roughly 15 more points per game than its opponent on a nightly basis, while Chicago’s advantage is roughly 12 points.

Whether this current volume is sustainable remains to be seen. A year ago, only Boston — the eventual champion — averaged more than 40 triple tries per game. Dallas, the other NBA finalist, was second in 3-point attempts at just a shade under 40.

As of Wednesday afternoon, seven teams were clearing that 40-attempt threshold, with four more averaging 39-plus attempts. Boston is taking its attack to new heights this season, averaging more than 50 3-point attempts after leading the league with 42.5 last season.

Everyone is seemingly in fear of getting left behind in the shooting surge. Between the Celtics’ recent success and Golden State’s dominance before them, there does seem to be a correlation between hitting the 3-point shot and achieving at a championship level.

There’s likely a mix to be struck. Minnesota has threaded the needle well with its high volume throughout games while attacking the rim, particularly with Anthony Edwards, in key possessions during winning time.

Edwards is fourth in the NBA at 11.4 3-point attempts per game, putting him among the likes of Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum in 3-point volume. All six of the top players in 3-point attempts this season are currently in the top 10 in scoring.

Against the Bulls, Minnesota has seen firsthand how the long ball can kill. In nine games against Chicago during Chris Finch’s tenure as Wolves’ coach, the Bulls have shot 44% from 3-point range against Minnesota. Over those contests, the Bulls haven’t shot less than 39% from deep on any occasion.

On Thursday, Minnesota figures to be better equipped to fight fire with fire.