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The Golden State Warriors issues can simply be resolved by making open shots

By Nathan Beighle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a layup against Jeff Green #8 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center on December 22, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 22: James Wiseman #33 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a layup against Jeff Green #8 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at Barclays Center on December 22, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors so far throughout the team’s first two games have not done Golden State Warriors things, and it’s been tough to watch.

It’s not that the Golden State Warriors are losing that is upsetting. It’s that they’re getting looks. This offensive system instilled by head coach Steve Kerr is still working. It’s that they aren’t knocking down the open looks.

The Warriors are the second-worst team in the NBA when it comes to connecting on “wide-open” shots. Over 25 percent of the Warriors’ shots have been wide open. At 25.8 percent, they have the fourth-highest percentage in the NBA.

The looks are there; they just aren’t making them.

The Warriors are shooting 27.5% on said shots. A wide-open shot is one that NBA.com deems the shooter doesn’t have a player within six feet of them. The Warriors are shooting over 25 of them per game, making under eight. It seems so simple, but that’s the fix.

Golden State has been blown out in both its first two games, playing two of the best defensive teams in the NBA. Losing by over 25 points, it’s clear that two-time MVP Stephen Curry is ready to start winning.

While it may start with him, players like newcomer Kelly Oubre Jr. and former No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins haven’t helped the cause. The former is 0-for-11 from three-point range, many of which are wide open.

Hopefully, they’re just nervous or rusty, and their performance will come around.

However, with the season just 72 games this year, Golden State must start to play better soon. With Draymond Green on the verge of a return, he should make things marginally better, one would hope at least.

Throughout these first two games, it’s clear the Warriors are getting the looks they want. Curry has been so polarizing on this offense that others will get open looks. They just haven’t hit them so far this season.

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It’s a small (and one of many) problem for now, but it must be fixed before the Golden State management team makes it their problem as well.

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