The Golden State Warriors faced another setback as Klay Thompson, a cornerstone of their roster, expressed frustration after being benched by coach Steve Kerr during Tuesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Known for his loyalty to veterans, Kerr decided to bench Thompson down the stretch, a move that appeared overdue given Thompson’s recent struggles on the court.
According to reports, Thompson’s reaction was heated, and he needed assistance from teammate Stephen Curry to calm down. Thompson was seen yelling towards the bench, although it wasn’t clear if it was directed at anyone specific. Eventually, he walked over and vented his frustration by hitting something on the bench, possibly a cup rack.
Despite his initial outburst, Thompson remained professional in his postgame comments, taking responsibility for his poor performance and expressing trust in Coach Kerr. However, the incident highlights the challenges the Warriors face, especially if Thompson continues to underperform.
The Warriors’ woes extended beyond Thompson’s frustration, as the team suffered a 119-116 defeat against the Suns. The game also featured another ejection for Draymond Green, marking the third time this season he has been ejected. Green’s absence and Thompson’s benching underscore the team’s struggle to find stability and consistency.
The spotlight is now on Coach Kerr, who made significant rotation choices during the game, including benching Andrew Wiggins and Kevon Looney. The decision to bench Thompson in crunch time, a first for the veteran player, raises questions about the team’s evolving dynamics.
In a postgame interview, Thompson expressed his frustration at being benched, acknowledging his subpar performance but emphasizing his competitive spirit. Despite the frustration, he maintained trust in Coach Kerr’s decisions.
As the Warriors navigate through a challenging stretch, with nine more games in December against formidable opponents, Kerr faces the daunting task of managing rotations and keeping the team competitive. The incidents involving Thompson and Green highlight the internal challenges the Warriors must overcome to stabilize their season.
Klay Thompson Could Be Moved To The Bench In The Future
Klay Thompson’s recent struggles on the court have become increasingly evident, with a challenging night against the Phoenix Suns where he shot 2-of-10 from the field and 1-of-8 from beyond the arc, contributing only seven points. The response from Warriors’ head coach, Steve Kerr, was a significant move – opting to lean on the bench. In this game, five reserve players scored in double figures, amassing a total of 80 points, overshadowing the starters’ combined 36 points.
The 33-year-old veteran, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion, is enduring a statistically challenging season. In 22 games, Thompson is averaging just 15.4 points per game, marking his lowest scoring production since his rookie season in 2011-12. Furthermore, his shooting percentages have plummeted to a career-low 39.7 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc.
These unexpected struggles, particularly in three-point shooting, are noteworthy considering Thompson’s reputation as one of the best sharpshooters in NBA history. With a career three-point shooting percentage of 41.4 percent and a rank of 10th on the all-time list for three-pointers made, his recent downturn has raised eyebrows.
The challenges extend beyond Thompson’s individual performance, as the Warriors find themselves with a disappointing 10-13 record, placing them 11th in the competitive Western Conference. The team’s overall struggles and Thompson’s underwhelming performance have sparked speculation about the future, especially given Thompson’s impending free agency.
As the Warriors navigate a challenging season and strive to climb the Western Conference standings, the spotlight is firmly on Klay Thompson. Coach Kerr’s decision to bench Thompson indicates an exploration of different strategies to spark a turnaround.
However, for the Warriors to regain their winning form, Thompson’s resurgence will be crucial as the season unfolds. The uncertainties surrounding Thompson’s future add an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative, making this season a pivotal one for both the player and the team.
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