Klay Thompson's holding it down for this title defense
After Klay Thompson lit up Houston for 29 points last night on an efficient 11-of-21 shooting from the field with 5 triples made, I started wondering if maybe Klay is so back to normal from his injuries that I’m not properly appreciating what he’s doing. Taking him for granted, even?
We know the story: torn ACL in the Finals (making the two free throws before limping off), and then tearing his Achilles’ tendon during rehab. Wiped out a couple years of his prime and put the dynasty in doubt. But after being a key part of the championship run last year, Klay is one of the bright spots of a pretty inconsistent Warriors season so far.
His season averages of 22 PPG on 43% shooting from the field, 40% from downtown, and 88% from the free throw line are about in line with what we’ve expected from him over his career. Per Stat Head:
He’s also played in 61 of a possible 73 games, which is pretty important considering Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry have both missed extended time. And amazing considering the severity of the injuries he suffered.
He’s had six games scoring at least 30+ points, 3 games scoring at least 40+, and a 54 point detonation in double overtime against the Atlanta Hawks.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what the younger Splash Bro has been doing to keep the Dubs afloat in the choppy storm that is the Western Conference playoff rush.
Only 3.5 games separate #4 PHO and #12 NOP. That's 9, count 'em, 9 teams with fortunes and contracts on the line. This season has been straight up weird.
I hope we hang on to 6th place and avoid play-in. Only team I do not want to see in the 1st round is Phoenix if KD COMES BACK. That means I do not care for 4th or 5th place, also, unless Phoenix makes it to 3rd, which I highly-doubt.