Widely regarded as the NBA’s 3-point connoisseur team for a long time, the Golden State Warriors seem to be losing their touch from beyond the arc. While Stephen Curry continues to dominate in that department, his teammates haven’t matched his productivity.
Warriors Facing Worst 3-Point Struggles Since Kevin Durant’s Exit
Curry’s 3-Point Prowess
Currently, shooting 41.8% from three, Curry’s long-range prowess isn’t enough to improve Golden State’s overall 3P%. In the 33 games played so far, the Dubs have made only 36.5% of their three-point attempts, ranking them 15th in the league.
Not including their 36.4 3P% in 2021-22, this marks their lowest 3P% ranking since the 2019-20 season when the Warriors shot 33.4% from long range, placing them 29th in the NBA. Ironically, this was the same season that Kevin Durant decided to part ways with Golden State and join the Brooklyn Nets.
Stephen Curry’s done for the night after going a perfect 8-of-8 from three
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— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) January 3, 2025
Dub Nation’s Poorest 3-Point Show Since the 2019-20 Season
The Warriors found themselves in deep waters after a Finals loss to the Raptors in 2019. Durant’s decision not to re-sign, coupled with season-ending injuries to the Splash Brothers, had the Dubs finish at the bottom of the Western Conference.
At the time, G-League point guard Jeremy Pargo had the best 3P% on the Warriors at 42.9%. Leading Steve Kerr’s roster in three-pointers made was D’Angelo Russell, sinking 3.6 shots per game. This was a period when Klay Thompson was out with an ACL tear, and Curry had sustained a fractured hand.
Fortunately, the Dubs witnessed an upward curve in the coming years. Between 2021 and 2024, Golden State fluctuated within the second and ninth positions in 3P%.
Potential Reasons Behind Warriors Diminishing 3P%
Losing one of their marquee players in Thompson to the Mavericks indicated the end of an era in the Bay Area. Dub Nation continues to fathom seeing Curry’s Splash Bro in a Dallas uniform. Another reason is the sudden shutdown of Buddy Hield, which serves as a major determinant.
In his first 15 games with the Warriors, Hield averaged 16.2 PPG on 44.2% from three-point range. Nonetheless, the 2020 3-Point Contest champion would go completely cold from beyond the arc in the coming days. Nevertheless, Dub Nation hopes the 32-year-old will find his rhythm back.
Buddy Hield has shot just 2-19 from three over his last 4 games
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— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) December 31, 2024
Entering his sophomore season, Brandin Podziemski has failed to meet expectations, especially from beyond the arc. Shooting the ball at close to 39% accuracy in his rookie year, the six-foot-five guard has dropped to 29.5%. Other factors for the Warriors’ 3-point woes include the departures of shooters like Donte DiVincenzo and Jordan Poole.
The Last Word
The Warriors can change their 3-point tide with just over half of the season remaining. It is only a matter of time before Hield makes a comeback. This, in turn, would prohibit the opposition from throwing double/triple teams at Curry, allowing him more spacing.
The recent acquisition of Dennis Schroder would allow Podziemski to play to his strengths. Also, looking at how the front office has been actively pursuing a trade, expect anything in the coming days. No matter what, you can never write off the Warriors, considering the championship DNA on the roster.
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