rsvman
There's no denying that the 3 point shot has changed the way the game is played today. Disproportionately so imo.
To piggyback on your argument, last year I posted on social media that the NBA should consider reducing the value of 3-point shots to 2.5 points, that it would help restore some sense of balance in how the game is played on both sides of the ball. The replies were incredibly negative... of course - they mostly came from fans of Cleveland, Houston and Golden State. Mind you, I didn't advocate that the 3-pointer be done away with altogether.
But it pointed out just how out of balance the game is being played, kinda similar to how distance has tipped the scale in golf. Rory, DJ, Day, etc. don't want the ball reeled back because obviously it would lead to longer approach shots into the greens, making the game more difficult.
After much consideration, the NFL finally decided to increase the extra point attempt yardage an additional 13 yards back in 2015. Early on their were a lot of critics... "this won't make a difference, they should've left well enough alone," etc.
I don't have time to look up the statistics since then, but the difference overall has been very significant. A team that doesn't have the greatest field-goal kicker is suddenly considering a 2-point conversion sometimes. It added a different, more interesting dynamic to the game, and in those close games when a single extra point attempt could be the difference between winning and losing in the closing minute of a game - it added drama.
I think reducing the point value of a long perimeter shot in the NBA, by just a mere 1/2 point, would likewise lead to more compelling contests.