In the world of modern basketball, the three-point shot has become king. Teams launch threes from beyond the arc as if it’s a guaranteed way to score, and for many, it’s the centerpiece of their offense. For the Golden State Warriors, especially, the three-point shot is a hallmark of their identity, with stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson revolutionizing the game from long range. But tonight, in an unexpected twist, the Warriors find themselves in a surprising position — leading the Minnesota Timberwolves at halftime without making a single three-pointer. 😳
How is that even possible? The Warriors have made a living off their deadly perimeter shooting, but in this game, they’re finding other ways to control the tempo and rack up points. Instead of leaning on their usual long-range barrage, they’ve adjusted their playstyle, and it’s paying off in ways that defy conventional basketball wisdom.
First off, it’s the inside game. The Warriors, known for their perimeter shooting and fast-paced offense, have been dominating the paint in ways we rarely see. Draymond Green, as always, is the defensive backbone, but tonight, he’s showing a different side of his game. He’s been attacking the rim relentlessly, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. His ability to draw fouls, finish strong inside, and even dish out assists has helped create an offensive flow that doesn’t rely on the three-ball.
The Warriors’ big men, Kevon Looney and Moses Moody, have been active in the paint, setting screens and finishing with efficiency around the basket. Looney has been a beast on the boards, crashing the offensive glass and converting second-chance points. In the half-court offense, the Warriors have utilized clever cuts, sharp ball movement, and mid-range jumpers to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
It’s also worth noting that Jordan Poole, who has often been a consistent scoring threat from deep, has been playing a more well-rounded game tonight. His ability to get to the basket, draw defenders, and create easy looks for teammates has opened up a new dimension to the offense. His 12 first-half points, many of them from inside the arc, have been crucial in sustaining the lead.
On the defensive end, the Warriors are playing their usual smothering brand of defense. They’ve been quick on the rotations, contesting every shot, and keeping Minnesota from getting into any rhythm. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, two of the Wolves’ most potent offensive weapons, have been frustrated by Golden State’s defensive intensity. The Warriors’ speed and agility have disrupted the Timberwolves’ ability to get quality shots off, and their aggressive closeouts have forced Minnesota to settle for difficult mid-range jumpers.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ offense has stalled. Without a reliable outside shooting threat, they’ve struggled to find good looks in the half-court set. Their attempts to drive into the paint have been met with Golden State’s help defense, and they’re not getting the clean, open shots they’re used to. Even when they do create space, the shots aren’t falling, and the Warriors are capitalizing on those missed opportunities.
So, as the teams head to the locker rooms, the Warriors are leading without the one weapon they usually rely on most. No threes. Just smart, fundamental basketball — ball movement, defense, and attacking the basket. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, it’s not about how many threes you make, but about how well you play the game as a whole.
In the second half, will the Warriors continue their unorthodox approach? Can the Wolves make adjustments to catch up? One thing’s for sure: this game is far from over, and it’s anyone’s guess how this unexpected twist will play out.
