May 24

IND114
NYK109
Final

May 25

OKC68-14
MIN49-33
ABC @12:30 AM UTC

May 26

NYK51-31
IND50-32
TNT @12:00 AM UTC

May 27

OKC68-14
MIN49-33
ESPN @12:30 AM UTC

How Steph rationalized strange missed free throws in Game 1

One of the strangest things happening during this Warriors’ playoff run is what is going on with Steph Curry from the free-throw line.

Curry, statistically the greatest free-throw shooter of all time at 90.8 percent, has struggled from the charity stripe so far this postseason.

In the Warriors’ 12 games so far, Curry is shooting a shocking 79.5 percent from the line, including missing his first two free throws and going just 4-of-7 during Wednesday’s 112-87 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!

Subscribe  SIGN UP HERE

So Steph, what is going on?

“I shook this one off,” Curry told reporters after the win. “You always just talk to yourself no matter if you're missing shots or free throws or whatever it is, you just talk positive to yourself about what's coming next.

“I think I blamed it on the four-day break tonight in my head and then just tried to shake it off. Whatever you can to motivate you yourself. I don't ever lose confidence. It's just that self-talk that helps.”

Four-day break or not, Curry missing multiple free throws in a game remains a strange sight, yet it has happened more than once throughout this playoff run.

RELATED: Wiggins, Warriors ace first Luka test with big Game 1 win

Draymond Green even told Curry to “get your head out of it” after the two-time NBA MVP missed his first two free throws Wednesday night.

Curry missed the last 12 games of the regular season due to a foot injury, and perhaps the extended layoff impacted part of his routine from the line heading into the postseason. Curry shot 92.3 percent from the line across 64 regular-season games, so the 12-game playoff sample size remains small.

It still seems more of an anomaly than cause for concern for Curry and the Warriors, but it certainly has become something to monitor as the rest of the playoffs unfold.

Golden State Warriors

Find the latest Golden State Warriors news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.

Kerr acknowledges Kuminga might want out of Warriors due to fit

Steph named to All-NBA Second Team for 2024-25 season

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Contact Us