One of the biggest X-factors for the Golden State Warriors night in and night out is Klay Thompson. It is a small miracle that Thompson is even able to play at this level in the NBA playoffs anymore after being sidelined for more than two years with an ACL and Achilles tear.
Being sidelined that long it is virtually impossible to return to the level he was at before the injuries. But, if you give him the chance, he can still light you up. That is exactly what happened to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.
In what was pretty much a must-win game for the Warriors, Thompson stepped up with a vintage performance. He scored a game-high 30 points, going 8-of-11 on 3-point attempts. The crowd was in a frenzy with each basket as the Golden State lead grew and grew.
“I was just trying to get the crowd going,” Thompson said. “It’s always fun when you shoot the ball well, it’s even better when you couple that with a win.”
The Warriors were able to win 127-100, evening their Western Conference semifinal series at 1-1. Thompson’s performance was part of a record-breaking stretch for Golden State, as their 42 3-pointers in Games 1 and 2 are the most in the first two games of a playoff series ever. Thompson is responsible for 14 of them alone, as he was 6-of-16 in Game 1.
“Klay got it going and our defense was kind of fueling our offense,” Warriors head coach Kerr said.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Kerr made a big adjustment to his lineup in Game 2, which helped open things up for Thompson and his teammates. Kevon Looney was removed from the starting lineup and replaced by JaMychal Green.
Green possesses the size necessary to combat the Lakers on the interior, but his perimeter game helps things flow on offense compared to having two non-shooters in the lineup, which was the case in Game 1. The adjustment worked magnificently as Green went 3-of-6 on 3-pointers, putting more stress on the Lakers’ defense.
“I’ve been waiting on this moment, just wanted to show that I could help,” JaMychal Green said. “They always tell me to stay ready, my time will come.”
The Warriors wanted to do everything in their power to avoid going down 0-2 for the second straight series after doing it in Round 1 against the Sacramento Kings. Defending four shooters is a tall task for any team, as the Lakers certainly struggled to adjust to the change.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Now, it will be Darvin Ham’s turn to make an adjustment in this high-stakes game of basketball chess. But, that is certainly easier said than done, especially when Thompson is as hot as he has been shooting the ball.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
