Klay Thompson has big opportunity in Game 2
The Golden State Warriors’ star shooting guard Klay Thompson will have a chance to bounce back in Game 2 if Kevin Durant sits out.
Klay Thompson was pretty unforgettable in Game 1 of the opening round of the playoffs. He had just 15 points on 37 percent shooting. He was even worse from long-range, hitting just one of his six attempts from beyond the arc.
Throughout most of the night, his shot selection was pretty questionable. He pulled up for some seriously ill-advised attempts throughout the game. Offensively, he was nowhere near the level we’re used to.
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Perhaps he was pressing because both of the Portland Trailblazers’ guards were playing extremely well. No matter what he did on the defensive end, C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard were still getting buckets. Even when he was right on them, they’d find a way to put the ball in the basket.
Maybe it was Kevin Durant’s return. It was the first time the Warriors had their regular starting lineup together in a very long time. After re-learning how to play without him, Thompson had to adjust to having him on the floor again.
Or maybe it was just an off night. Those happen, even to a marksman as accurate and deadly as Thompson. No matter what it was, he has a chance to redeem himself in Game 2.
The Warriors could be without as many as three players. Matt Barnes, Shaun Livingston, and Durant are all listed as questionable for Game 2. This opens up a chance for Thompson to do more.
Durant is dealing with a left calf strain. It’s not major, according to the San Jose Mercury’s Anthony Slater, but the team wants to be careful. The superstar did not practice yesterday.
The Warriors should feel confident that they can beat the Blazers without Durant. They’ve done it before and, even with the 2014 MVP, they’re still more talented than them. Of course, this relies on Thompson playing at an All-Star level.
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Durant probable won’t play tonight. If he can’t go, then everyone is going to have to carry a little more of the load. Stephen Curry and Thompson had to right the ship after Durant went down with his MCL sprain and they did wonderfully. They’re going to ned to tap into that.
Thompson probably won’t have to go for 40 points, but he can’t have just 15 either. Expect him to have an increased workload and expect him to make the most of it. And who knows? Maybe he will do something spectacular, like break a record or something.