Golden State Warriors Emphasize Fast-Paced Offense and 3-Point Shooting in Preseason
As the Golden State Warriors gear up for the 2024 NBA season, maintaining their signature fast-paced offense and high-volume three-point shooting remains a top priority for head coach Steve Kerr. Following a noteworthy 122-112 victory over the Sacramento Kings in their preseason matchup, the Warriors showcased their commitment to offensive dynamism, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of their long-range shooting.
In this game, the Warriors set a franchise record by sinking 28 out of 52 three-point attempts, surpassing their previous regular-season high of 27. This statistic stunned forward Jonathan Kuminga, who expressed disbelief upon learning of the milestone. Coach Kerr commended the team’s shooting performance, noting, “I think almost all of them were good shots.” While Kerr refrained from specifying a target number of three-point attempts, he expressed a desire for players like Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins to embrace a more aggressive shooting strategy.
The Warriors are looking to compensate for the absence of All-Star shooter Klay Thompson, who averaged nine three-point attempts per game last season, with a more distributed approach. Kerr acknowledged the transition, suggesting that while no single player can replicate Thompson’s contributions, the team benefits from increased shooting depth. “What I like about this team is, even though we’ve lost Klay, we’ve got more shooting depth,” Kerr said, highlighting the roster’s versatility in nightly offensive production.
In the game against the Kings, the Warriors enjoyed contributions from several players behind the arc. Buddy Hield was particularly effective, shooting 6-of-7 from three-point range. Kuminga also contributed significantly, going 4-of-7, while Stephen Curry and newcomer Lindy Waters III each recorded three made threes. Podziemski, along with De’Anthony Melton and Moses Moody, also made solid contributions, reaffirming the team’s commitment to shooting from beyond the arc.
The Warriors have embraced a collaborative shooting mentality, which has been a focal point during their training camps. Brandin Podziemski shared insights on the team’s approach, stating, “Steve actually encourages it. It’s what we’ve been focusing on in camp. It’s been transition both ways and shooting threes.” This collaborative ethos aims to leverage the skill set of multiple players, enhancing team dynamic and overall offensive efficiency.
As the Warriors adjust to the loss of Chris Paul, who served as the primary backup point guard, Podziemski has emerged as a key facilitator. His ability to connect plays and keep the offense fluid has been vital, regardless of whether he comes off the bench or starts. “That’s all I’m thinking about—just making the right play,” Podziemski remarked. “Even if they’re not shooting it, they got to touch the ball. I think that’s super important.”
With the continuation of their preseason, the Warriors remain focused on refining their high-octane offense, with an emphasis on three-point shooting. As they adapt to new dynamics, the collective depth and versatility on the roster could prove crucial in the upcoming season, as the team aspires to maintain its competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA.
