Five Games, Three Scoreless Fourth Quarters for Steph

When Steph Curry shoots the ball, you expect it to go in. Even when it’s an improbable 30-footer off of a wrap dribble that just sent a defender sliding the opposite way, a shot that looks completely off-balance and like it could hit backboard and nothing else, you still expect it to go in. Needless to say, it’s been shocking watching him brick shot after shot in the last three games when it comes down to the wire, and it begs a question: What the hell is wrong with Steph?

While he’s still managing 30 points per game on solid volume, his shooting stats actually look like they’re down to earth. He’s shooting 42% from the field and 38% from three through the first five games of the season with a couple shooting performances that were looking stellar… up until the fourth frame. Tonight against the Grizzlies in a tough overtime rematch of the play-in game that sent the Dubs home, Curry was 0-for-6 from the field in the 4th and overtime, something we haven’t come to expect of the 2-time MVP. Historically clutch late in the game, even leading the league in scoring per-36 minutes and boasting 71% true shooting in 4th quarters last season, to see that Steph Curry is now 0-for-11 in that quarter through his last three games is pretty astounding.

So what’s going on? James Harden has been struggling this year due to a change in the offensive contact rules and some tough officiating to reflect that, but a simple eye test shows that Steph looks to score first and draw contact later much unlike his contemporary lead guard. THere has been some speculation with players like Damian Lillard also shooting poorly that it could be due to a need for adjustment to the new ball. Wilson basketballs just became the NBA’s official game ball this season, replacing the Spalding ones that were a part of the NBA for the last 30+ years. It’s entirely possible that with so many high-level players shooting relatively poorly to start off, that an adjustment period is necessary. It could be just a rudimentary readjustment after a long offseason break: Curry’s percentages last season didn’t start so hot either, and he ended up leading the league in scoring on a very solid 48% from the field and blistering 42% from three.

Whatever the case may be, adjustments will be made to get Steph back into his peak shape. Everyone knows this trend won’t continue for long, but his lackluster shooting has certainly been turning some heads as the Warriors look to get rolling. At 4-1, they still maintain one of the NBA’s top records alongside the Chicago Bulls, and have a very winnable stretch of games coming up where Curry can pick up the rhythm again.

(Photo credit: Eric Espada / Getty Images)