The Golden State Warriors suffered their 14th loss of the season when they faced the LA Clippers on Thursday.
Before the game, Steve Kerr made multiple changes to his rotation, including moving Andrew Wiggins to the bench. While the Warriors were unable to secure a victory, those changes provided more energy to the rotation, leading to a season-high scoring night from Klay Thompson, who ended the game with 30 points.
Following the game, Kerr praised Thompson’s performance and how he’s navigated a difficult start to the new season. Thompson has struggled with his shooting, averaging 40.7% from the field and 36.4% from 3-point range.
“Klay was incredible tonight,” Kerr said. “It wasn’t just the shot-making. He made six or seven passes to Loon diving and Dario popping. He shot the shots that he should have shot, and he passed when he should have passed. He looked like himself. Obviously, he got hot, and he a couple of crazy shots, but that’s who he’s been. The key when you watch Klay, is, ‘is he taking good shots? And is he moving the ball when people are open?’ That’s what I saw all night long tonight. I thought he was phenomenal.”
Thompson has faced a significant amount of criticism throughout the opening months of the season. His status as an impending free agent has likely ramped up the interest in his performances, and the Warriors’ struggles haven’t helped his cause, either.
"I thought he was phenomenal."
Kerr praises Klay's season-high scoring night 🙌 pic.twitter.com/9cXbtKbQIo
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 15, 2023
Both Kerr and the Warriors fan base hope the veteran sharpshooter has turned a corner. If he can put his recent slump behind him and help Golden State climb the Western Conference standings, there should be no reason he doesn’t re-sign with the franchise at the end of the season.