Warriors impress with 28 three-pointers in preseason win

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Golden State Warriors have almost always been synonymous with fast-paced offense and three-point shooting, but this year they’ll go through training camp knowing that’s what they want to shape their identity around.

Coach Steve Kerr is still looking for the best combinations on the field with a new group of players and believes that scoring at high volume and playing in transition should be emphasized. Wednesday night’s 122-112 win over the Sacramento Kings was the proof Kerr was looking for to prove him right.

The Warriors made 28 of their 52 three-point attempts, the most the team has ever made in a game.

When Jonathan Kuminga was told about the statistic, he had a look of surprise on his face and said, “Really?” Golden State’s three-point record in the regular season is 27, which they have done twice.

“I think almost all of them were good shots,” Kerr said of the Warriors’ performance on Wednesday.

Kerr doesn’t have a projected number of 3s he wants his team to shoot, but he did say he would like to see Kuminga attempt a number of good 3s per game, and Andrew Wiggins to take six to seven. He also mentioned Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody and De’Anthony Melton as players he wants to shoot more with.

The Warriors want to make up for the void left by Klay Thompson with shooting depth. Thompson attempted nine three-pointers per game last season. People understand that no one can make up for that, so they want an all-hands-on-deck approach.

“What I like about this team is that despite losing Klay, we have more shooting depth,” Kerr said. “We’ve got more guys that can come in overnight and make threes. It’s definitely going to be a big part of our team.”

Against the Kings, Buddy Hield shot 6-of-7 from 3, and after the game he said he thinks his shooting could get even better as he shakes off offseason rust and becomes more acclimated to his new team.

Kuminga went 4 for 7. DeAnthony Melton also hit four, Curry and Lindy Waters III each hit three, and Podziemski, Green and Moody hit two.

“Steve actually encourages it,” Podziemski said. “That’s what we focused on in camp. It was transitioning both ways and shooting 3s. … We have the personnel to do it. It’s a little different that we have more guys besides Steph (Curry) who can shoot the 3. ) and Klay.”

Podziemski led the team with eight assists in a starting spot. His connectivity was highlighted during the preseason as the Warriors had to adjust to losing Chris Paul in the backup point guard role.

As the Warriors continue to try to push the pace, they will lean on him to bridge the starters and second unit whether he comes off the bench or not.

“That’s all I think about is just making the right play,” Podziemski said. “I don’t have to score the ball to hit the ball.”

He continued: “A lot of our threes came off the rim or another pass. When you feel that and when the ball is moving around, it feels like everyone is in rhythm because everyone is touching it. Even when they’re not. If If they shoot at it, they have to touch the ball, I think that is super important.”