Sports
Steve Kerr Emphasizes 3-Point Shooting in Warriors’ Preseason Victory
The Golden State Warriors are maintaining their identity as a team characterized by a fast-paced offense and impressive 3-point shooting, according to their head coach, Steve Kerr. As they continue to search for the best combinations with a new set of players, Kerr has emphasized the importance of high-volume scoring and playing in transition.
In a recent preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, the Warriors showcased their offensive prowess with a 122-112 victory. The team made 28 of their 52 attempts from beyond the arc, setting a new record for the most 3-pointers made in a game by the franchise. Kerr admitted to being surprised by the achievement, while acknowledging that “almost all of them were good shots.”
Kerr has not specified a precise number of 3-pointers he envisions for his team to shoot, but he has expressed a desire for Jonathan Kuminga to attempt several quality 3s per game. He also mentioned his intention for other players, including Moses Moody and Andrew Wiggins, to increase their 3-point attempts.
The Warriors are aiming to compensate for the departure of veteran player Klay Thompson, who attempted nine 3-pointers per game last season. With no single player likely to replicate Thompson’s output, Kerr is fostering an all-hands-on-deck approach. He remarked, “We have more guys who can step in from one night to the next and make 3s. It’s going to be a big part of our team for sure.”
During their matchup with the Kings, Jonathan Kuminga achieved an impressive 6-of-7 from the 3-point line. Postgame, he stated that he expects his shooting to improve further as he adjusts to the new season and team dynamics. Jock Landale, a recent addition to the team, also displayed his shooting capabilities. Players such as Donte DiVincenzo and Gary Payton II contributed multiple 3-point shots.
Podziemski, a key figure in the Warriors’ strategy, led the team with eight assists in a starting role. His role is seen as essential in connecting the starters with the second unit, according to Kerr. Podziemski commented on his performance, saying, “A lot of [our 3s] came off the edge or one more pass. When the ball is moving around, it feels like everybody is in rhythm because everybody is touching it.”