Steph Curry's Shooting Struggles: A Seemingly Concerning Trend for the Warriors

Steph Curry, the legendary shooting guard of the Golden State Warriors, has experienced his fair share of shooting slumps throughout his NBA career. However, his current downswing is beginning to worry fans and analysts alike. Recent games have seen Curry's three-point shooting performance return to form, but the question remains: should the Warriors be concerned with Curry's shooting struggles?

The Context of Curry's Current Shooting Struggles

Curry's shooting slump is noteworthy, especially considering his historical performance from beyond the arc. In his last two games, he has hit 45 out of 100 three-point shots (45%). While a small sample size, this performance demonstrates that Curry's shooting is still capable of reaching elite levels. He had mentioned previously that he was shooting off the heel of his foot but has since adjusted back to using the balls of his feet. This adjustment is crucial, as Curry has been relying on his arm power, which can be inconsistent, particularly with complex shots like step-back threes.

The Importance of Curry During the Playoffs

There is no denying that losing the sharpshooting prowess of Curry and Klay Thompson during playoffs would be a significant blow to the Warriors. With Thompson currently sidelined due to injury, the expectation is that Klay and Curry will need to step up as the primary offensive threats. Although Wiggins and Poole have been performing well, their roles as secondary scorers are crucial to maintaining the team's balance.

Assistance in Overcoming the Shooting Slump

To address these concerns, Curry and the Warriors have taken a proactive approach. Marcus Thompson of The Athletic revealed that Curry and assistant Bruce Fraser turned to the laboratory for help in resolving Curry's shooting woes. This wasn't a case of hoping for a miraculous recovery; instead, they meticulously analyzed and adjusted his shooting form.

The key issue identified was Curry's reliance on arm power in his shots. This inconsistency, especially in complex shots like step-back threes, highlighted the need for a more stable base. Furthermore, Curry realized he was shooting off the heels of his feet, which limited his power and push. By making the adjustment to shoot off the balls of his feet, Curry has regained the consistency and power in his shots.

Outlook and Future Performance

The adjustment made by Curry has already shown promise in recent games. In the first game after the shooting form adjustment, against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry went 10 for 20 from the field and 6 for 10 from three-point range. This performance marked his first time making more than half of his three-point shots in several weeks.

While it's still early in the adjustment process, the Warriors are feeling confident in Curry's recovery. The team’s second seed position currently provides a safety net, but the team remains vigilant and will continue to support Curry through his slump. Fans and analysts can look forward to seeing if Curry can maintain this consistent performance and, more importantly, what impact it will have during the critical playoff stage.