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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO — In advance of the Golden State Warriors‘126-114 win over Sacramento KingsThursday night, the Warriors general manager Bob Myers spoke Klay ThompsonAfter a two-and a half-year hiatus, Thompson was physically ahead of schedule. Myers stated that Thompson’s shot would come with the passage of time.
Thompson claimed that he did not hear Myers’ comments prior to the game. However, the way Thompson played Thursday felt like a direct reply: Thompson’s shot was more than just coming.
Thompson scored 23 points on 8-11 shooting, 7-of-9 at 3-point range. He scored twenty points in the 10-minute span between the first quarter and second quarters. This was fueled by six consecutive three-pointers.
Thompson said, “That was so good!” With all I’ve experienced, nights like these are something I really appreciate. It’s so much fun shooting, and it feels different than it did just a few years back. The joy of doing what we love can seem fragile and can be taken from us in an instant.
“I hit my first couple, and I thought I played at a great pace tonight. Even though I was in the second half, it wasn’t like I tried to force it. While I had 20 points in my hand, I thought I could get a 40-point night. But I thought I played an excellent full game.
Thompson’s priority since his Jan. 9th game was to play within the flow of each game and not rush. He admits that he struggled with this, particularly early on.
The Warriors claim that he can see flashes of his former self before he is hurt.
“He had that look in him. It’s beautiful to see,” he said. Stephen CurryWith 20 points, he finished the night on 7-of-11 shooting and 7 assists. He also had 2 steals. It’s a huge boost for the entire team.
Thompson also scored seven points, which is a somewhat unusual trend.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, said that Thompson’s passing statistics have improved. “I think he has it in him.” “I think we have more floor space right now… so the flooring’s open and he is putting the ball down on the floor, getting it in the paint, and finding open players.”
Curry says that Thompson is shooting the ball better than ever and opposing teams are finding it harder to defend him. This has enabled him to improve his ball handling and passing skills.
Curry stated, “Taking what defense gives him.” Curry said that Curry has shown that he is a great playmaker who can use that to his advantage against the defense when they are trying to be aggressive to stop him.
“He has to keep finding that balance, because we know that he can shoot and we know that he can score. Until he plays his entire 30-plus-minute rotation, this balance is vital for him to continue getting rhythm in our offense.