The Golden State Warriors displayed their new game strategy – a quick offense coupled with a high frequency of 3-pointers. Steve Kerr believes that transition play and high-volume scoring are the best ways to move forward, even though finding the right player combinations is a difficult task.
Preseason Victory: An Exemplification of the New Strategy
Kerr’s belief was reaffirmed when the Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-112 in preseason. The team’s record of 28 3-pointers out 52 was broken. Jonathan Kuminga expressed his amazement at the new record.
High-Volume 3 Point Shooting Plan
Kerr hasn’t set a target for how many 3-pointers the team should shoot. Kerr has stated that he wants Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins, and Moses Moody to all shoot at least six to seven 3-pointers each game. He has also named Brandin Melton, Moses Moody, De’Anthony Melton, and Brandin Podziemski as players he would like to see increase their 3-point shots.
Filling the Gap Left By Klay Thompson
Golden State Warriors want to keep their shooting depth in order to compensate for Klay Thompson’s absence. Klay Thompson averaged nine 3-pointers per game during the previous season. Recognizing that a single player cannot replace Thompson’s performance, the Warriors have adopted a collective approach. Kerr praises the team for its shooting depth and expresses confidence in the ability of different players to step up.
Impressive performance against the Kings
Buddy Hield of the Warriors scored six out seven three-pointers against the Kings. He said that his performance would improve as he integrated more into the Warriors and shook off the rust from the offseason. Kuminga scored four points, Melton added three and Stephen Curry and Lindy Wassers III each had four. Podziemski and Green each scored two.
Warriors’ New Focus on Transition and Three-Pointers
Podziemski who led the team in assists with eight from a starting spot confirmed that the focus of the team during the camp was transition and three point shooting. He said that the current team has the ability to execute this strategy. This is especially true now that many players, not just Steph and Klay Thompson, can shoot three-pointers.
The Warriors’ Transition from Chris Paul to Podziemski
Podziemski has played a significant role in the Warriors’ preseason as they adjust to the loss of Chris Paul, their backup point guard. He has helped to link the starters with the second unit regardless of whether he was part of the starting line-up or the bench.
Podziemski emphasized that it is important to make the right play, and not just focus on scoring. He stressed the importance of ball movements, saying that everyone is in rhythm when they touch the ball.
