Warriors’ success comes in (pull-up) 3s

In the wake of Game 3:

It’s a shot that defines the Warriors, separating them from any other team in history, and because it runs contrary to their entire offensive philosophy, you won’t find it in any playbook. All it does is win games — and dismantle an opponent’s psyche.

We speak of the brazen, pull-up three-pointer, the one Kevin Durant used to break Cleveland hearts Wednesday night. No passes, no screens, not even a hint of the ball-movement perfection so closely identified with the Warriors. It’s a staple of Stephen Curry’s game, with his seemingly unlimited range. Klay Thompson has no problem crossing halfcourt with the ball and unloading from 30 feet if he’s enjoying one of those white-hot spells.

Since the NBA adopted the three-point shot in 1979, no team has had the talent or conviction to make this a routine and acceptable strategy (occasional exception: Larry Bird). It’s just not something you can trust, at least when dealing with normal human beings. During this year’s playoffs, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Paul George and Isaiah Thomas are just a few long-range bombers who came up short on wide-open looks at the most crucial times.

Nothing’s going to change, either. Not with three Warriors savoring that green light. Just another reason why their future glows like the galaxy on a crystal-clear evening.

As the playoffs began, the Cavaliers appeared to have a deadly shooting, small-ball answer to the Warriors’ brilliance — at least for short periods of time — with Deron Williams, Kyle Korver and Channing Frye all noted for reliable shooting. Korver is 5-for-14 in the Finals, and barely a factor. Williams is 0-for-11. Frye didn’t see the court in Games 1 and 3.

The well-respected Paul Pierce announced on ESPN that “we’re witnessing the changing of the guard” with Durant replacing LeBron James as the league’s best player. That’s worth some earnest debate. Huge factor: Durant could be looking at three or four more championships. LeBron looks at his flawed team and sees little chance.

Amazing: Curry had 23 rebounds in the past two games, more than any teammate and 10 more than the Cavs’ interior mainstay, Tristan Thompson.

People wondered how the Warriors would react to a legitimate, fourth-quarter crisis, and they wound up scoring at will. “The moment never overwhelms any of us,” said Curry. “There was no panic. It was kind of peaceful, really.”