Even late NBA legends, even Jerry West, weren’t fans of the one-skill Golden State Warriors duo of Stephen Curry and Clay Thompson.
Since 2015, the Golden State Warriors have participated in six NBA Finals, lifting the Larry O’Brien Trophy four times.
Each title run featured a dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. The duo’s most feared skill was undoubtedly his ability to easily knock on three-pointers.
But before the rise of the Warriors dynasty, many criticized the amount of three-point shots the duo had taken in the game. This included late NBA legend Jerry West.
The 2014 NBA playoffs was the last time Curry and the Company had an overwhelming postseason show. After all, they played five straight NBA finals from 2015 to 2019.
Curry and Thompson’s three-point shooting were the key reasons behind the success of the dubs of that era. Even Jerry West, the Warriors advisor at the time, didn’t like the three-pointer volume the duo was trying to do in the game.
“I think the coaches have changed the game. People value the three-point line very much, and I don’t think I should shoot, especially when there’s a lot of time left on the shot clock.
“I don’t think they’re a good shot because I take a quick shot from the corner and put your defense at risk when the team starts running against you,” West said in a 2014 interview with Slam Magazine.
So, what was the reason behind the Warriors who allow such a massive amount of three if it hurts the defense? There was a simple answer.
“But it’s fun and creates fan interest. I know that here in Golden State, we have two guys in the backcourt.
“But at the end of the day, this is all about winning,” West added.
West played the role of instruments as a player and executive during the rise of the LA Lakers. Apparently he had a good relationship with the late Lakers owner Jerry Bass.
Speaking of which, West believed that Bass had taken baby steps to turn the NBA from purely sporting events into an entertainment event.
“I worked with an owner who wanted to win a team in Los Angeles, and he thought basketball was entertainment. We’re talking about Jerry Bass,” West continued.
“He’s done a lot to create another kind of atmosphere that’s very prominent in the NBA today. He makes it not only for sporting events, but also for entertainment events. He sees a lot in the arena today.”
Simply put, the rise of three-point shots could never have happened without the bus that views basketball as entertainment.