Golden State Warriors Rely on High-Scoring Tactics and Three-Pointers

On October 10, 2024, the Golden State Warriors displayed their new game strategy – a quick offense coupled with a high frequency of 3-pointers. Amidst the challenging task of finding the optimal player combinations, Coach Steve Kerr is convinced that prioritizing high-volume scoring and transition play is the way forward.

Exemplifying the New Strategy: Preseason Victory Against the Sacramento Kings

The Warriors’ 122-112 preseason triumph over the Sacramento Kings served as a testament to Kerr’s beliefs. The team scored an impressive 28 out of 52 3-point attempts, breaking their previous record. This feat left Jonathan Kuminga, one of the team’s players, in awe, expressing his surprise at the new high.

High-Volume Three-Point Shooting Plan

Kerr has refrained from setting a specific target for the number of 3-pointers his team should aim for. However, he has expressed his desire for Kuminga to shoot several good 3-pointers per game, while Andrew Wiggins should aim for six to seven. He has also identified Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and De’Anthony Melton as players he wants to increase their 3-point attempts.

Filling the Gap Left by Klay Thompson

The Golden State Warriors are keen on keeping their shooting depth as a way to compensate for the absence of Klay Thompson, who averaged nine 3-point attempts per game in the previous season. Recognizing that one player cannot replace Thompson, the Warriors are adopting a team-wide approach. Kerr commends the team’s shooting depth, expressing confidence in the ability of various players to step up and make crucial 3-pointers.

Impressive Performance Against the Kings

In the game against the Kings, the Warriors’ Buddy Hield scored 6 out of 7 three-pointers, and confidently stated that his performance could improve as he integrates more into the team and shakes off the offseason rust. Kuminga and Melton each scored four, while Stephen Curry and Lindy Waters III each added three. Podziemski, Green, and Moody each contributed two.

Warriors’ New Focus: Transition and Three-pointers

Podziemski, who led the team with eight assists from a starting position, confirmed that the team’s focus in the camp has been transition and three-point shooting. He emphasized that the current squad has the capacity to execute this strategy, especially now that more players can shoot 3-pointers, not just Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

The Warriors’ Transition: From Chris Paul to Podziemski

As the Warriors navigate the loss of Chris Paul as their backup point guard, Podziemski’s contribution has been significant during the preseason, helping to connect the starters and the second unit, regardless of whether he is part of the starting lineup or the bench.

Podziemski stressed the importance of making the right play and not focusing solely on scoring. He noted the importance of ball movement, saying that when everyone touches the ball, everyone is in rhythm, which he believes is crucial to the team’s success.