Even late NBA legend Jerry West wasn’t a fan of the Golden State Warriors duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson’s one talent.
Since 2015, the Golden State Warriors have been to 6 NBA Finals whereas lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy 4 occasions.
Every title run featured the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The duo’s most feared talent was undoubtedly their means to knock three-pointers with ease.
Nevertheless, earlier than the rise of the Warriors dynasty, many critiqued the quantity of three-point photographs that the duo was taking in a sport. This included the late NBA legend Jerry West.
The 2014 NBA playoffs have been the final time that Curry and Co. had an underwhelming displaying within the postseason. In spite of everything, they made 5 straight NBA Finals from 2015 to 2019.
Curry and Thompson’s three-point capturing was a key cause behind the Dubs’ success throughout that period. Even Jerry West, who was the Warriors’ advisor on the time, didn’t like the quantity of three-pointers that the duo was trying in video games.
“I feel coaches have modified the sport. Folks worth the three-point line a lot. You see photographs taken, notably when there’s loads of time left on the shot clock, that I don’t assume must be taken.
“I don’t assume they’re good photographs as a result of it jeopardizes your protection if you take a fast shot from the nook and groups run out in opposition to you,” West stated in a 2014 interview with SLAM Journal.
So, what was the explanation behind the Warriors permitting such a excessive quantity of threes, if it harm protection? There was a easy reply.
“However it’s enjoyable and creates fan curiosity. I do know right here in Golden State we’ve got two guys within the backcourt who can actually give our followers enjoyable evenings with their capturing means.
“However on the finish of the day, that is all about successful,” West added.
West had performed an instrumental position as a participant and an govt in the course of the rise of the LA Lakers. Evidently, he had relationship with the late Lakers proprietor Jerry Buss.
Talking of which, West believed Buss took child steps in changing the NBA from a purely sporting occasion to an leisure occasion as effectively.
“I labored in Los Angeles with an proprietor who needed the workforce to win, however he thought basketball was leisure. I’m speaking about Jerry Buss,” West continued.
“He did loads of issues to create a distinct sort of environment which might be very a lot in prominence within the NBA at the moment. Making it not only a sporting occasion, but in addition an leisure occasion. We see that lots in arenas at the moment,” the late NBA legend claimed.
In easy phrases, if it weren’t for Buss viewing basketball as leisure, the rise of the three-point shot might have by no means occurred.
