The Warriors won’t hit their ceiling until Klay Thompson figures it out
The Golden State Warriors are, thankfully, taking the NBA Finals to Boston knotted up at one game apiece.
After losing Game 1 because of a fourth-quarter onslaught from the Celtics which resulted in a 120-108 victory following their +24 final period differential, Boston lost Game 2. One thing that stayed consistent was the struggles of five-time All-Star Klay Thompson.
The Warriors might be tied in the NBA Finals, but they’ve not even gotten close to their ceiling, partially because of the lacking performances by Klay Thompson.
It’s not that Thompson is just working back to strength following his two season-ending injuries, an ACL tear in 2019 and an Achilles rupture in 2020. After all, he’s had elite moments this postseason but has failed to really put together a multi-game stretch of dominant performances.
Thompson dropped 30 against the Grizzlies in Game 6 to help close out the series then dropped 32 in Game 5 to help send the Luka Doncic-led Mavs home for good. He followed up both performances with a 15-point showing to kick off the Dubs’ next series.
Having kicked off his season just a few weeks into 2022, Thompson ended the regular season with 20.4 points per game average. He shot 43% from the field and averaged 38.5% from deep, both lower than his career average.
Those seemed more acceptable from the star guard as he worked his way back from not playing competitive basketball. Thompson has been better from the field in the postseason, but his scoring has dropped to 19.1 points per game.
The real issue with Klay isn’t his scoring but rather his consistency, having just 6 games over 20 points. He has 8 games in which he’s scored 15 or fewer, including both home games in the NBA Finals.
His shooting as of late is even more of a concern. He’s shot 10-for-33 during the NBA Finals. The Warriors escaped with an even 1-1 series after the first two games, and Thompson’s individual ceiling has been what’s partially been holding Golden State back.
If the Warriors are going to win the NBA Finals, they need Thompson to figure it out. He’s shown his ability to be an All-Star-caliber player this postseason, but he’ll need to be more consistent, especially from deep. He’s just 4-for-15 from three this postseason.
Thompson improving his play is paramount in the Warriors figuring out how to hit their ceiling as a team.