Damian Lillard, Stephen Curry, Trae Young, Luka Doncic and James Harden are among a group of players who are expanding their three-point range well beyond the line.

"That's not by accident," Lillard told ESPN. "Guys are spending time doing it and getting comfortable and confident with that shot."

After the Portland Trail Blazers were swept by the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, Lillard needed new ways to get his own shot against aggressive opponents. Lillard believed he wouldn't have to overcome double-teams if he were to expand his range.

"We worked on deep ones in so many different ways," Lillard said.

Lillard spent hours during the 2018 offseason putting himself through drills that would make game situations feel easier.

"Shooting it off the bounce, shooting them without jumping, shooting them with no momentum, shooting them from a deep squat and raise up and shoot it," he said. "You know, just uncomfortable positions but still trying to shoot an accurate shot."

Lillard believes the toughest part of preserving good shooting form from further out isn't about the arms and legs as much as the core.

"If you keep your core tight and your body strong, then the ball flies out stronger," he said. "If your body is weak, you come up not as strong and the ball will waver when you're that far out."