After over two years away from the NBA, Klay Thompson finally completed his comeback n Saturday night with one of his signature performances.
After the game, he spoke to the media about his special night and actually played it down as something that wasn’t all that surprising.
“Everyone makes a big deal about my shooting, man,” said the Warriors star begrudgingly. “I don’t know. I’m not happy with how my shooting went. But I know these nights are within me. Like I just know. I’ve just been in this league for so long and done too many great things that a lot of players haven’t done before to doubt myself so I was eager for a night like this but a midseason shooting slump? It’s not gonna kill my ego. I’m still going to go out there and compete.”
Klay Thompson: “Everyone makes a big deal about my shooting, man. I’m not happy. But I know these nights (15-of-23 for 38 points) are within me. I just know.” pic.twitter.com/zD60maZrFs
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 13, 2022
It wasn’t Thompson’s first game back, but it was his first truly dominant game since his return. This season, his numbers have been (understandably) down across the board, with career lows in field goal percentage (42%) three-point shooting (37%).
For the Dubs, it was a welcome sight and an encouraging sign about their upcoming playoff run. If Klay can keep improving, it will make them that much harder to beat in a 7-game series.
“I want to say I feel like myself. But naturally when you miss 941 days… I still think I’m trending upwards. I really want to peak by May and June rather than right now. Every week gets better, and I think I’ll be incredible come playoff time. Just like this season has progressed, my game has progressed as well, and I think that’s going to continue.”
The Warriors are currently 3rd in the West with a 46-22 record overall. With Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, and Draymond Green (when he returns), they are poised to compete for a title this season.
Klay Thompson will play a huge role for the organization going forward, just like he did when the team won multiple Championships years ago. Saturday night was just a taste of what’s to come…
