Warriors’ emphasis on 3-pointers hasn’t been paying off

PHOENIX — In 2010, after a group of data-loving entrepreneurs purchased the Warriors, the franchise adopted a unique philosophy: In 2015, led by the three-point exploits of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, Golden State won its first NBA title in 40 years. Perhaps the greatest long-range shooter in NBA history outside of Curry, Thompson has missed on 18 of his 21 attempts behind the arc. Overshadowed by the final result of Golden State’s 129-100 season-opening loss Tuesday to San Antonio was its 7-of-33 showing from three-point range. The Warriors’ 1,077 three-pointers last season shattered the previous NBA record of 933 set by the 2014-15 Rockets. Golden State, which finished shooting 41.6 percent beyond the arc, became the sixth team in NBA history to convert at least 40 percent of its three-pointers. The four-time NBA scoring champion was coming off five straight years in which he shot better than 38 percent behind the arc. A versatile playmaker who pairs his jumper with an effective post-up game, Durant is a master at spacing the floor. At least a handful of times in each of their games, Golden State players have missed three-pointers with no defender nearby. Added Green, who is shooting 27.3 percent from three-point range: You’d think that, with this team and all the firepower, we’d shoot the lights out. At the root of Golden State’s torrid three-point shooting last season were subtleties: coming off picks at the precise right moment, spotting up for jumpers in transition, bounce passes to Thompson in the corner. “I think we’re having some open shots, but we’re not really getting rhythm shots and that’s been our hallmark the last couple years,” said Kerr, who has called more plays than normal the past three games to help his players get comfortable.