Coach Steve Kerr of the Warriors has prioritized increasing 3-point shooting during the NBA preseason, and his team is responding accordingly.
Throughout three exhibition matches, the Warriors have attempted 48, 52, and 34 3-pointers, averaging 44.6 attempts per game. If they maintain this trend into the 2024-25 regular season, it would mark an increase of nearly six attempts per game over last season’s average of 38.9, which ranked fourth in the NBA.
General manager Mike Dunleavy is fully supportive of this strategy. During Friday’s NBC Sports Bay Area broadcast covering the matchup against the Sacramento Kings, he remarked that Klay Thompson’s offseason move to the Dallas Mavericks would enable the Warriors to diversify their 3-point shooting.
“There will be nights when some shots won’t fall, and we hope those nights are fewer in number,” Dunleavy shared with Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike. He emphasized, “Last time I checked, three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers, so increasing our attempts—especially with our talented shooters—is our goal. With Klay leaving, there’s been a significant focus on getting shots for Klay and Steph [Curry] over the past few years, and rightly so.”
“However, with Klay gone and just Steph there, we’re looking to involve everyone in this effort. We have several players capable of launching 3-pointers, and as long as those are quality shots taken in rhythm, we will encourage them.”
The Warriors showcased their potential on Wednesday against the Kings, sinking 28 3-pointers, a number that would have set a single-game franchise record had it occurred during the regular season.
When Dunleavy entered the NBA as the No. 3 overall pick by the Warriors in 2002, the Boston Celtics averaged 26.3 3-point attempts per game. By the time of his retirement in 2017, the Houston Rockets, led by James Harden, averaged 40.3 attempts per game.
Last season, the NBA champion Celtics increased their average to 42.5 3-point attempts per game, while the Denver Nuggets recorded the lowest at 31.2 attempts.
In the last three seasons since returning from significant leg injuries, Thompson has averaged 9.7 3-point attempts per game, necessitating contributions from Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and others to fill the gap left by the five-time NBA All-Star.
With a focus on taking more 3-pointers—provided they are quality shots—Dunleavy has assembled a roster that aligns with the current style of play.
“It’s part of the evolution of the game, and we must adapt accordingly. I think we’re doing a good job of that,” Dunleavy stated to Fitzgerald and Azubuike.
The Warriors aim to maintain their 3-point shooting strategy when they host the Detroit Pistons at 5:30 p.m. PT on Sunday at Chase Center. The game will be available on NBC Sports Bay Area and can be streamed via the NBC Sports app.
Embracing the Three: Warriors’ Preseason Focus on Increased 3-Point Shooting
The Evolution of the Three-Point Shot in Basketball
The three-point shot has transformed the game of basketball, shifting offensive strategies and player skill sets. Teams increasingly rely on long-range shooting to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities. The Golden State Warriors, known for their shooting prowess, have made a significant commitment to enhancing their three-point shooting this preseason. This article delves into their strategy, benefits, and practical tips for players and coaches alike.
Why Focus on 3-Point Shooting?
As the NBA continues to evolve, a strong emphasis on 3-point shooting has emerged for several reasons:
- Spacing the Floor: 3-point shooters create more space for drives and cuts, making it harder for defenders to collapse the paint.
- Increased Scoring Efficiency: Teams that shoot well from beyond the arc can score quickly and efficiently, often outpacing traditional scoring methods.
- Defensive Adjustments: Opponents must adjust their defensive schemes to account for long-range threats, creating mismatches and openings elsewhere.
The Warriors’ Approach to 3-Point Shooting
Key Players Leading the Charge
The Warriors boast some of the NBA’s most prolific 3-point shooters. Key players include:
- Stephen Curry: Regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Curry’s ability to create his shot from deep is unparalleled.
- Klay Thompson: Known for his quick release and accuracy, Thompson’s return from injury is eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
- Jordan Poole: An emerging talent, Poole has proven he can stretch the floor and contribute significantly to the team’s scoring.
Training Regimens and Drills
The Warriors have implemented rigorous training regimens to bolster their long-range shooting abilities. Some of these include:
- Shooting Drills: Players engage in repetitive shooting drills, focusing on form, release, and footwork.
- Game Simulation: Practicing in game-like conditions helps players adapt their shooting under pressure.
- Video Analysis: Reviewing shooting mechanics through game footage allows players to identify areas for improvement.
Benefits of Increased 3-Point Shooting
Focusing on 3-point shooting provides numerous advantages for the Warriors:
- Enhanced Offensive Versatility: More shooters on the floor mean varied offensive sets, making it difficult for defenses to predict plays.
- Better Ball Movement: With an emphasis on outside shooting, the ball tends to move more, improving overall team chemistry.
- Increased Player Confidence: Success from beyond the arc boosts player morale and encourages them to take calculated risks.
Case Studies: Successful Teams and Their 3-Point Strategies
2015-2016 Warriors: A Record-Breaking Season
In the 2015-2016 season, the Warriors set the record for the most wins in a regular season, fueled by their exceptional three-point shooting. This team utilized a combination of:
- Off-ball movement to free shooters
- Quick ball movement to create open looks
- High basketball IQ to exploit defensive weaknesses
2019 Toronto Raptors: A Balanced Attack
The Toronto Raptors effectively balanced inside and outside scoring during their championship run, showcasing how a team can thrive by utilizing the three-point shot. Key elements included:
- Utilizing shooters like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry to spread the floor
- Incorporating dribble penetration to collapse defenses before kicking out for open shots
- Maintaining defensive integrity to create transition opportunities for 3-pointers
Practical Tips for Coaches and Players
For Coaches
As a coach, fostering an environment that emphasizes 3-point shooting can be pivotal. Here are some actionable tips:
- Encourage Shooting Competitions: Create drills that promote healthy competition among players to improve shooting under pressure.
- Utilize Analytics: Analyze shooting percentages and shot selections to inform practice strategies.
- Promote Player Autonomy: Allow players to make decisions on the court that prioritize shooting opportunities.
For Players
As a player, improving your 3-point shooting requires discipline and focus. Consider these approaches:
- Practice Daily: Set aside time each day for shooting drills, focusing on form and accuracy.
- Incorporate Variety: Shoot from different spots on the court to simulate game situations.
- Seek Feedback: Work with coaches or teammates to receive constructive criticism on shooting mechanics.
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Warriors’ Players
During recent training sessions, several Warriors players shared their thoughts on the emphasis on 3-point shooting:
“Working on my long-range shot has been a game-changer. It opens up so many opportunities for the entire team,” said Jordan Poole.
“Having the ability to shoot from deep makes defenses think twice about how they guard us,” added Klay Thompson.
HTML Table: Warriors’ 3-Point Shooting Statistics
| Season | 3-Point Attempts | 3-Point Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 2,460 | 37.3% |
| 2019-2020 | 2,200 | 36.9% |
| 2020-2021 | 2,350 | 38.2% |
| 2021-2022 | 2,420 | 37.8% |
The Future of 3-Point Shooting in the NBA
The increasing reliance on 3-point shooting isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental change in how basketball is played. As teams like the Warriors emphasize this skill, we can expect to see a continued evolution in player development, game strategies, and fan engagement. The future of the NBA appears to be firmly rooted in the embrace of the three-point shot.
