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Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson is the ultimate stabilizer

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Klay Thompson #11of the Golden State Warriors stands for the national anthem before their game against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on October 06, 2021 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 06: Klay Thompson #11of the Golden State Warriors stands for the national anthem before their game against the Denver Nuggets at Chase Center on October 06, 2021 in San Francisco, 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. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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A familiar issue is plaguing the Golden State Warriors currently. As great as this team and its supporting cast have been throughout the early season — this squad still suffers from a bit of instability.

A tough loss against Phoneix was followed by a strong team performance to bounce back and beat the Suns on Friday. After that?  A disappointing loss to San Antonio where the Dubs trailed by dougle-digits for most of the game.

Jordan Poole has been erratic for most of his breakout season. Though he is mostly positive, his cold spells and disappearance in late games have hindered the Warriors at times. The same goes for Andrew Wiggins, who has never been one to demand the big shot.

With no one else on the Dubs stepping up to release pressure from Stephen Curry, we are seeing the same old trope play out. Opponents are okay with anyone not named Curry shooting the ball and the Warriors are crumbling.

A loss to the San Antonio Spurs was a wake-up call. Any team that wants to fluster the Warriors can simply blitz Curry and force someone else to beat them. This formula has been tried and tested in Klay Thompson’s absence and it seems to work more often than not.

The Golden State Warriors have been unstable as of late. Fortunately, Klay Thompson’s return is on the horizon.

The good news is Thompson is almost back.

Klay was cleared for full practice in November and has been steadily ramping up for his triumphant return.

Once Thompson is back on the floor, it will get a whole lot harder for opponents to trap Curry. Thompson is perhaps the greatest catch-and-shoot threat of all time and his steady presence is going to shatter opposing strategies.

Since 2020, the Warriors are 6-6 when Curry scores fewer than 20 points. This record should improve when Thompson is back on the court to provide an additional scoring boost.

With Thompson’s consistency, the streaky performances of Wiggins and Poole will not matter as much. Thompson is the ultimate stabilizer who will push this team to the height they are hoping to reach this season.

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