Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson needs to get himself going

By Tony Pesta

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors opened up their season with a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, Klay Thompson performed well below expectations.

Klay Thompson is a player that the Golden State Warriors rely heavily on for consistent offense. He is one of their main scoring options and if he is shooting poorly the team suffers as a consequence.

Poor shooting was definitely the case for Thompson in his 2018-19 season debut. In 35 minutes of playing time, Thompson shot an unusual 5-20 from the floor and was just 1-8 from the 3-point line. This marked only the 11th time in his eight-year career in which he attempted 8+ 3-pointers without making more than one.

As one-half of the splash brothers, this type of performance is rare for Klay. For a majority of his career, Thompson has been incredibly efficient as a shooter. His catch and shoot ability is up there with the greatest to ever play the game.

Of course, these numbers are just from one game. Furthermore, it was the season opener. It’s completely normal for a player to struggle from time to time and especially when it’s the first game of the entire season.

However, it goes without saying that the Warriors can’t afford for him to play like this too often. The Dubs are in the midst of chasing a three-peat and will need every one of their star players to be at their best.

Another reason that Thompson needs to get back on track quickly is the fact that at some point in this season, DeMarcus Cousins will be added to the rotation. This means that there will be yet another All-Star caliber player on the court looking for touches.

dark. Next. Golden State Warriors: Jordan Bell will get to show improvement early on

With the addition of Cousins, potential shot attempts for Thompson will likely decrease. Meaning, it would be best for both Thompson and the team as a whole if he is in stride and comfortable before Cousins returns to full strength.

Luckily, Thompson will have a chance to redeem himself soon enough. The Warriors are set to take on the Utah Jazz on Friday night. This matchup will a great opportunity for Klay to get himself going.

Home/Warriors News