5 Reasons Why the Golden State Warriors Could Struggle in 2013-14
By Ben Pickman
2. Death by the Three
Mar 30, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball between Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Wesley Matthews (2), small forward Luke Babbitt (8) and center Meyers Leonard (11) during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 125-98. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Much like Jeff Francoeur and his strong arm and elite defensive skills, the Warriors are currently elite and lethal from behind the arc. The only problem is you don’t live by the three, you die by the three. The classic saying could apply to the Dubs next season. The Warriors led the NBA in three-point field goal this past season, making more than 40 percent attempted threes.
The Warriors were also in the top 10 of percentage of baskets due to three-pointers with more than a fifth of all there points coming as a result of the three. The Warriors led the league in unassisted three-pointers made, as often times Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson pulled up for three instead of driving to the rim.
Next season, if Thompson and Curry’s pull-up threes don’t fall, then the Warriors could die by the three. If teams take the three-point shot away from the Warriors, then they would be forced to adjust without the shot that separates them.