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3 horrifying stats that highlight the Golden State Warriors’ offensive woes

By Josh Cornelissen

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Teammates Chris Paul #3 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on October 20, 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 20: Teammates Chris Paul #3 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other during a break in the action against the San Antonio Spurs at Chase Center on October 20, 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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Golden State Warriors
Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors. Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images /

Horrifying Stat No. 2: Average shot distance

The Golden State Warriors are going to take 3-pointers, and a lot of them. You don’t have two of the five or so best volume shooters in the history of the NBA and not launch from deep. The Warriors take the sixth-most 3-pointers in the league; there’s nothing wrong with that on the surface.

The issue is that the Warriors lack players who can put pressure on the rim; outside of Jonathan Kuminga and Stephen Curry, the rest of the rotation is largely floating into the midrange or launching from the perimeter.

That has led to a compound issue. First, the Warriors are taking just 15.4 percent of their shots at the rim, the second-worst in the league. Additionally, only 16.7 percent of their 3-pointers come from the corners, which are the easiest 3-pointers. When they take 3-pointers they tend to be above the break, a shot that is both further away and harder to hit.

The Warriors’ inability to drive into the teeth of the defense and either score or collapse the defense for a kick-out pass to the corner is dragging down an offensive attack that should be sniping teams to death.

It all comes out to an average shot distance of 15.8 feet, the furthest in the league. Yes, 3-pointers are worth more than 2-pointers, but the most valuable shot in the league is one at the rim, and the Warriors can’t seem to make those happen. They have decreased their rim attempts and increased their midrange shots, and the result is an unhealthy shot diet of junk food.

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