Grading the Golden State Warriors In Game 1 Loss To Denver Nuggets

Klay Thompson: A-

Klay Thompson was on fire in the first half of the game, and if you didn’t know how good of a shooter he is before this game, then you should realize it right about now.

Apr 20, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) during the first half of game one of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson’s one-on-one game was magnificent today, as he backed down various Denver defenders and pulled up for contested jumpers and got repeated results: made shots.

His three blocks and three rebounds also came at suitable moments, and the young shooter also played some noble perimeter defense.

Thompson, like Curry, had a stable performance for the first playoff game of his career, and I expect him to be much more comfortable and poised for the rest of the series. He picked up five fouls rather early and was forced to sit out for quite some time, and missed a key layup late in the fourth quarter, but his offensive game was what lifted the Warriors throughout the game.

While Curry was struggling, Thompson stepped up with a valiant game and showcased a plethora of his skills on the league’s biggest stage.