The NBA’s Response to the Warriors’ Three-Point Empire: “We Have to Flush This Down the Toilet”
Few moments in basketball history have been as transformative as the rise of the Golden State Warriors’ three-point shooting empire. Led by the sharpshooting brilliance of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and a system masterminded by head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors redefined what success looks like in the NBA. By emphasizing long-range shooting and positional versatility, they disrupted the league’s traditional models, forced teams to adapt or perish, and established a dynasty that remains a benchmark of excellence.
But not everyone in the NBA has celebrated the Warriors’ approach. For many teams and purists of the game, the proliferation of three-point shooting has felt like an overcorrection—a trend that has fundamentally altered the sport for better or worse. With the league’s ever-increasing emphasis on analytics-driven gameplay, some have begun to wonder: has the NBA gone too far?
The Rise of the Three-Point Revolution
The Warriors’ dominance during the mid-2010s wasn’t just about winning championships—it was about how they won. Before their ascent, three-pointers were seen as complementary, not foundational. The 2013-2014 Warriors ranked 4th in three-point attempts per game but were not yet fully committed to the philosophy that would later define them.
When Kerr arrived in 2014, he unlocked the full potential of a roster that included Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green. By spreading the floor, moving the ball, and leaning heavily on the three-point shot, the Warriors posted a league-best 67-15 record and captured the 2015 NBA title. Over the next four seasons, they added Kevin Durant to the mix and reached the Finals every year, winning two more championships.
Their success ushered in a new era. Teams across the league began adopting the Warriors’ blueprint, emphasizing pace-and-space offense, prioritizing three-point shooting, and de-emphasizing traditional big men who couldn’t stretch the floor. By the 2020-2021 season, teams were attempting more than 34 three-pointers per game on average, compared to just 18 per game a decade earlier.
The Backlash: A League Divided
Not everyone has embraced this seismic shift. Critics argue that the game has lost its balance. Hall of Famers like Charles Barkley have lamented the decline of post play and mid-range shooting, while others have pointed to the homogenization of playstyles. “Every team is just chucking up threes now,” Barkley said in a 2019 interview. “It’s not basketball; it’s a shooting contest.”
Coaches and executives have also voiced concerns. The Rockets’ infamous 27 straight missed threes in Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals against the Warriors is often cited as a cautionary tale about the dangers of over-relying on the three-point shot. “We need balance,” said one anonymous executive. “The game has always been about versatility and adaptability. When everyone’s playing the same way, it’s not as exciting.”
Even fans have expressed mixed feelings. While many appreciate the excitement of high-scoring games, others miss the physicality and diversity of strategies that once defined the league. “It feels like we’re watching the same game every night,” one fan wrote on social media. “Threes, threes, and more threes. Where’s the post game? Where’s the defense?”
The NBA’s Countermeasures
In response to the growing unease, the NBA has begun exploring ways to recalibrate the game. Commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged the concerns, stating, “We’re always looking at the balance between offense and defense, and we’re listening to feedback from players, coaches, and fans.”
One proposed solution has been to adjust the dimensions of the court, potentially moving the three-point line back to make long-range shots more challenging. Others have suggested rule changes to incentivize mid-range and post play, such as awarding an additional free throw for fouls on two-point attempts or reducing the value of corner threes. These ideas remain speculative, but they highlight the league’s willingness to address the issue.
Additionally, some teams have taken it upon themselves to innovate outside the three-point paradigm. The Milwaukee Bucks, for example, built their 2021 championship run around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant interior play. The Denver Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokić, have showcased the value of a versatile big man who can score, rebound, and facilitate. These teams’ success suggests that there is still room for alternative styles in the modern NBA.
Flushing the Trend or Evolving with It?
The phrase “We have to flush this down the toilet”, uttered by a frustrated executive during a recent league meeting, encapsulates the tension surrounding the Warriors-inspired revolution. While some see the rise of three-point shooting as an inevitable evolution of the game, others view it as a trend that needs correction.
The truth likely lies somewhere in between. Basketball, like all sports, evolves over time. The shot clock, three-point line, and defensive rule changes have all shaped the NBA’s history. The Warriors didn’t just stumble upon their success; they exploited inefficiencies in the game and forced others to catch up. The resulting shift has been a testament to their greatness but has also raised valid questions about the future of the sport.
Rather than “flushing” the three-point trend, the league might benefit from a more nuanced approach. Encouraging diversity in playing styles, rewarding creativity, and ensuring a balance between offense and defense could help maintain the NBA’s appeal. This would honor the legacy of the Warriors while paving the way for the next evolution of the game.
Conclusion
The Golden State Warriors’ three-point empire has undeniably changed the NBA forever. Their success sparked a revolution, inspiring teams to rethink their strategies and embrace the long-range shot. But as the league grapples with the consequences of this shift, the question remains: how far is too far?
The NBA’s response to this challenge will shape the future of the game. Whether through rule changes, strategic innovations, or a return to balance, one thing is clear: the league must navigate this pivotal moment carefully. After all, basketball’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and preserving that essence is a goal worth striving for.