Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson responded with a stellar performance on Thursday night, scoring a season-high 35 points and leading his team to a thrilling 140-137 victory over the Utah Jazz. This remarkable performance came after Thompson was informed that he would not be starting the game, marking the first time he had come off the bench since his rookie year in 2012.
Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and longtime partner of Stephen Curry in the Warriors' backcourt, was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Brandin Podziemski. However, Thompson entered the game in the first quarter and quickly made his presence felt on the court.
Recognizing that he might have a more prominent role in the offense while running with the second unit, Thompson embraced the challenge and delivered a performance worthy of his championship pedigree. 'That’s a fun role to play. I just wanted to take it upon myself to prove to coach Steve Kerr that I was going to respond like the champ I am,' Thompson remarked.
In the first half alone, Thompson scored 17 points in just 12 minutes, surpassing the 15,000 career points milestone. The Warriors enjoyed a comfortable 84-71 lead at halftime, thanks in large part to Thompson's scoring prowess. He continued his hot streak in the third quarter, adding 18 more points on an impressive 6-for-7 shooting.
Thompson's performance was a welcome sight for the Warriors, as he has encountered struggles at times this season. Previously sidelined for the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to injuries, the sharpshooter has been slowly working his way back to peak form. Currently averaging 17 points per game, his lowest since his second season, Thompson has occasionally found himself on the bench during crunch time in coach Kerr's rotation.
Coach Kerr had a candid discussion with Thompson prior to the game, notifying him of the change in the starting lineup. Although Thompson admitted to not being thrilled with the decision, Kerr believes that this adjustment could help bring out the best in both Thompson and the team. 'It’s not as easy to do what Klay did five or six years ago for him. I think this could be a good balance to get the best out of Klay and to get the best out of our team,' Kerr explained.
Thompson's standout performance came on the heels of a tough loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he struggled to find his rhythm, shooting 4 of 14 and totaling only 12 points. The Warriors then faced the daunting task of playing the Jazz on the road, in a rescheduled game that was previously postponed due to a tragic incident involving one of their assistant coaches.
As Thompson continues to navigate through the challenges of this season, his ability to adapt and deliver in different roles demonstrates his resilience and unwavering championship mentality. With his remarkable performance against the Jazz, Thompson showcased his undeniable talent and reminded everyone of his invaluable contributions to the Warriors' success.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Thompson's versatility and ability to make an impact, whether starting or coming off the bench, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the Warriors' future aspirations.
