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The Golden State Warriors surprisingly play better without Klay Thompson

By Nathan Beighle

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on November 10, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on November 10, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors, to many’s surprise, are better with Klay Thompson on the bench so far this season. Will it last?

Klay Thompson has not been his usual self this season. The Golden State Warriors 4x All-Star shooting guard has been struggling from deep yet still managing to pour in over 20 points per game, potentially making this his fifth straight season to reach the mark.

In season’s prior, the Warriors have been better with Klay on the court for the past six straight seasons, but for some reason, the numbers are flipped upside down this season.

Overall, the team is a +7.2. That means they beat their opponents by an average of 7.2 points per 100 possessions. Having a few absolute blowouts does help, but the Dubs have had a fair share of games where they’ve struggled as well.

As for Klay Thompson, when he’s on the court, the Dubs are -9.2 points per 100 possessions worst than when he’s off the court. For a star of his caliber, that’s an interesting stat to see, but there’s not too much stock that should be held in it.

Thompson, a clear star on both ends of the court, has excelled for four straight seasons, helping the Dubs reach four straight Finals and win three of those trips. So, while the headline is still true, it’s somewhat misleading as a whole.

There could also be a few reasons why Thompson’s team-oriented numbers are down. One could be, after the initial run of starters, Thompson may get shuffled in without the Dubs superstars, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.

The runs which the other team eventually go on to cut the Dubs lead could generally come while he’s on the court, which seems like a likely answer to why those numbers would be down. Thompson plays just two-thirds of his minutes with both stars also on the court.

Thompson’s 32.5% three-point percentage could also be a reason why he’s struggled to get those team-oriented numbers up. He’s shooting a career-high 18.8 shots per game yet averaging a career-low three-point percentage.

Next. Warriors: 3 reasons the Dubs should sign Carmelo Anthony. dark

Is there need to worry about Thompson? Of course not. But, should we continue to recognize and understand why these numbers are the way they are? Most certainly.

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