The Golden State Warriors average just shy of 20 three pointers a game (which is middle of the pack in the NBA).
But they hit 40.1 percent of them, best in the NBA. That’s because almost 14 of those 20 are taking by Stephen Curry (shooting 45.2 percent from three) and Klay Thompson (41.2 percent).
That is a record setting backcourt the AP reports:
That’s impressive and should be acknowledged.
Golden State has a great backcourt for a jump shooting team. However, they have some long-term questions they need to answer about that pairing. With two pure shooters out at the arc the Warriors rely on the jumper and not breaking down defenses off the dribble, getting points closer to the basket. Jump shooting teams can beat anybody on a hot night but lose to anyone on a cold one, and it’s a tough way to win in the playoffs.
But the offense isn’t the bigger issue, it’s the other end of the floor where Curry and Thompson combine to form an undersized and not very good defensive combo.
Right now the Warriors and their fans should celebrate what they have — a playoff bound team with a backcourt pairing that is a fun one to watch play. There are some bigger question questions to consider — how far can you really go with both Thompson and Curry — but those should not get in the way of the fun now. Nor is it something that must be decided this summer. Just eventually.