Golden State Warriors: 3 NBA Playoff lessons from Round One

Golden State Warriors: It is still a make or miss league

I remember a time when jump-shooting teams were seen as inferior. Now, if you aren’t shooting jumpers, you are doing yourself a great disservice. The great equalizer, the 3-point shot has become the determining factor in whether or not you win or lose in the NBA.

In the first round of the NBA Playoffs, teams who drilled 16 or more 3-pointers won 15-of-21 games. Two of these losses came in a gun-slinging showdown between Portland and Denver, with Damian Lillard nailing 12 3-pointers of his own in a loss.

In contrast, teams who made 13 or fewer 3-pointers went just 8-11 in the first round. To cap it off, the five-of-six squads who shot the worst percentage from deep in the first round (Lakers, Knicks, Heat, Grizzlies, Wizards) were all eliminated in a relatively quick fashion.

This information bodes well for the Warriors, who ranked near the top of the league in both 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage this season even with Klay Thompson on the sideline. With the league continuing to move towards a 3-point or die mentality, the Dubs should be fairly happy in their chances.