Klay Thompson 2014-2015 Season In Review

Throughout the offseason, Blue Man Hoop will be reviewing the Golden State Warriors’ 2014-15 season with breakdowns of the performances of each individual player.

The Numbers

Klay Thompson cemented himself as the best two-way shooting guard in the NBA with his 2014-15 campaign. He scored a career high 21.7 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field and 43.9% from beyond the arc. He grabbed 3.2 rebounds and dished out 2.9 assists–both improvements from last year. Thompson also finished second to Stephen Curry in three-point field goals made (239).

In his fourth year, Thompson was selected as a starter to his first All-Star Game and named to the All-NBA Third Team.

The Positives

Thompson has improved every year he’s been in the league and took another huge step in his fourth season. Already an elite shooter and versatile defender, he improved other aspects of his game–most notably his willingness to drive the ball.

His offense in prior years came mostly through jump shots, often in catch-and-shoot situations. This year, “Klay-ups” became a thing of the past as he drove to the rim with purpose and finished effectively. His percentage at the rim increased from 63% to nearly 67% with slightly under 100 more attempts. Thompson even threw down the occasional dunk.

Thompson fit in perfectly with Steve Kerr‘s new system. Defensively, Thompson was able to switch every screen with other long Warriors defenders. Offensively, Thompson benefitted greatly from the motion and passing. Last year, Thompson found himself in the post against smaller defenders a lot. Though he did use his size to his advantage, he was put into positions where he could get space and snipe from long-range.

Before the season started, there was some “debate” as to who the best backcourt in the NBA is. His Splash Brother, Stephen Curry, obviously held up his end of the bargain. It was up to Thompson and he delivered. A legitimate star, the former Cougar silenced all doubters. Starting with his participation on Team USA, Thompson’s best year of his career featured a memorable three-point competition, an All-Star start, a record, and a championship.

The Negatives

It’s always the same thing with Klay Thompson: consistency.

Though improved, Thompson still struggled with maintaining his high level of play over the course of the season. He would disappear making you forget that he was even on the floor.

June 7, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) moves to the basket against the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers guard

(8) during the second half in game two of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Throughout the playoffs, Thompson scored 14 or less six times including in the title-clinching Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson only played 24 minutes in that game before fouling out. Overall, the sharpshooter just struggled to shoot the ball at times.

Part of Thompson’s struggles had to do with shot selection. After missing or even making a few, Thompson would take some low-percentage shots. When the ball wouldn’t go in, he would press and force shots instead of letting the game come to him.

Klay Thompson’s consistency issues were far less concerning than they were last year. When things were off, he would right the ship rather quickly, making the right adjustments. Staying within the system, Thompson found himself taking a lot of high percentage shots however his selection, especially when he struggles, can be better.

Best Moment

Duh.

History.

Klay Thompson set history with his 37 point quarter. He drained 9 three-pointers and made all 13 of his field goals in the period. Truly incredible.