The Golden State Warriors, champions just 19 months ago, are currently grappling with a challenging season, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 22-25 record. Despite two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry’s consistent excellence, the team is facing difficulties, particularly with longtime teammate Klay Thompson.
Thompson, typically a key contributor, is enduring one of his toughest seasons since joining the starting lineup in 2012-13. His recent shooting woes, including a rough stretch over the past week, have raised concerns. In a recent game against the Brooklyn Nets, Warriors coach Steve Kerr opted to keep Thompson on the bench for the final minutes, a decision that caught attention.
Addressing his performance post-game, Thompson acknowledged feeling physically fit but admitted to mental challenges. However, he emphasized the importance of team success over individual accolades, expressing happiness for the younger players stepping up.
Kerr defended his decision to keep Thompson out of the closing minutes, citing the effectiveness of the lineup on the court. Despite Thompson’s struggles, Kerr praised his resilience and mental toughness in navigating injuries and the challenges of aging in the league.
Thompson’s statistics this season reflect a decline in performance, with career-lows in shooting percentages and advanced metrics like player efficiency rating and win shares. Despite these setbacks, the Warriors remain determined as they navigate the remainder of the season.
