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Chris Paul laughs off game-defining issue for Golden State Warriors in season opener

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Chris Paul #3 of the Golden State Warriors shoots over Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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It’s a make or miss league. Truer words were never spoken for the Golden State Warriors in their season opening 108-104 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Despite all the uproar about their first-half fouling and the 17 offensive rebounds they conceded, the facts are that the Warriors blew a major opportunity with an abysmal shooting display.

Veteran point-guard Chris Paul isn’t concerned with the Golden State Warriors shooting woes in their loss to the Phoenix Suns.

Golden State never found a rhythm offensively, with their 40-point third-quarter built off 16 free-throw attempts rather than any hot shooting stretch. The hosts would shoot a paltry 35.6% from the field, including 10-43 (23.3%) from three-point range.

Almost every Warrior was off target on a personal level, with third-year wing Moses Moody (11 points, 4-6 shooting) the only player to shoot above 50% on the night. While the Suns defense should get some credit, Golden State ultimately butchered a number of gilt-edged opportunites particularly around the rim.

Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors dribbles while defended by Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth-quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Chris Paul of the Golden State Warriors dribbles while defended by Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth-quarter at Chase Center on October 24, 2023. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Speaking post-game, veteran point-guard Chris Paul laughed off concerns over the Warriors shooting, even bringing up a famous playoff game between the franchise and one of his former teams in the Houston Rockets.

"“I ain’t really worried about the shooting. I’ve been on a team that missed 27-straight threes. I don’t think that’s going to be the case over here…with the shooters that we got,” Paul said."

Golden State’s starters — minus Kevon Looney — shot 22-65 (33.8%) from the floor in a rough opening for the team’s star players. Paul ignited the Warriors and the crowd with a big third-quarter, but still shot just 4-15 and missed all six of this three-point attempts.

Veteran shooting-guard Klay Thompson continued his struggles since preseason, shooting 6-18 and 3-11 from deep. Even two-time MVP Stephen Curry wasn’t immune to the issues, finishing 4-14 (28.6%) from three-point range despite his team-high 27 points.

Next. 5 bold Golden State Warriors takes ahead of the 2023-24 regular season. dark

Golden State will hope to rectify their shooting struggles when they visit Golden 1 Center for a meeting with the Sacramento Kings on Friday night.

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