To deploy this defense, they’re more than comfortable allowing the rest of the Warriors to get semi-open jumpers and floaters, believing that a late contest from their long wings will be enough to plummet percentages. In Game 6, that strategy worked. Buddy Hield, starting for a third straight game, missed all four of his shots. Payton went 2 of 5. Green went 3 of 8. The non-Curry starters were 3 of 18 on 3s, looking hesitant to fire at various times. “If they’re going to do this and they’re going to play zone and make certain guys shoot it, then it’s the same way we talk about all season,” Curry said. “Everybody’s in this league for a reason. If you have a shot, take it. I don’t need to say anything. Coach doesn’t need to say anything. You’re out there, be aggressive. Look for your shot. We’ll live with it. That’s the name of the game. The shots that we’re creating or the shots that are open, keep taking ’em.” -via New York Times / May 3, 2025