The Golden State Warriors have now won three straight games after shutting out the Charlotte Hornets at home. The bad news is that Klay Thompson, who is currently dealing with injuries, was unable to participate in last night’s game.
Following their encounter with the Hornets, Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr responded to queries on Klay Thompson’s unexpected injury. According to NBCS, Kerr stated the following in a press conference.
“He said he felt it a little bit in the Orlando game…. He thought he was going to be fine, but during a warmup game, it kinda stiffened up on him. Rick work with him on the table before the game and decided not a good idea for him to play.”
There is still a lot of uncertainty around Klay’s health going into the game against the San Antonio Spurs. According to ESPN, pre-game reports indicate that Klay is “questionable” [right knee, tendinitis]. In his most recent game, Klay scored 15 points and grabbed 2 rebounds in 32 minutes of action against the Magic, according to ESPN. Moreover, according to Statmuse, he was averaging 19.8 points per game in the final five games before his injury, shooting 37% from three-point range and 46.9% from the field. Thus, it is evident that the player had turned the corner and was once again becoming an important member of the team, even after a difficult season.
When the Warriors play the San Antonio Spurs in their next game, “size” will be important. The biggest threat is Wembanyama, the rookie for the Spurs who just scorched the Knicks at home with forty points. Being a tall guard himself (6 feet 7 inches), Thompson’s influence and presence might be crucial for Golden State. Tonight, Dub Nation is hoping he can make an appearance and deliver it.
This season has been “decent” for Klay Thompson.
When Klay Thompson declined his player option this summer and decided to become a free agent, he was betting on himself. Thompson is averaging 17.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 42.6% shooting from the field, according to ESPN, demonstrating his significance as a sniper. However, Thompson’s path wasn’t without difficulties; in fact, this season, #11 saw “the bench.” Since then, Thompson has changed his game and emerged as a threat off the bench. This season, he is shooting 38.3% from three and 91% from the line, according to Statmuse.
There is also no denying that Thompson has aged. The four-time champion has been slowed down by injuries, and he is no longer the two-way player he once was. However, Klay remains one of the league’s finest catch-and-shoot players when it comes to scoring since his Thompson shot is still dependable as ever.
