Klay Thompson may be regarded as a top-five shooter in NBA history, but the five-time All-Star has had a less than ideal start to his sixth NBA Finals for the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson’s offensive struggles have been well documented through the opening two games, averaging just 13 points on 30.3% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range. They were perhaps even more magnified in the Warriors’ game two win, with coach Steve Kerr leaving his star shooting guard on the floor in garbage time in an attempt to find confidence with his stroke.
Klay Thompson has struggled for the Warriors, primarily due to Boston’s active defense that’s led to questionable shot selection on his behalf.
It’s widely acknowledged that Thompson is one of NBA history’s best catch-and-shoot players. While he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor and making shots or plays off the dribble, running him off the three-point line is a primary focus for every opposition defense.
It’s what the Celtics have done well through the two games at Chase Center, leading to an unusual shot diet for the three-time champion. Let’s take a closer look at this, comparing Thompson’s looks in this series compared to that of earlier series’ and the regular season.
Frequency of two-point v three-point field goal attempts
v Boston in NBA Finals – 54.5% from two, 45.5% from three
v Dallas in Conference Finals – 47.4.% from two, 52.6% from three
v Memphis in second round – 47.6% from two, 52.4% from three
v Denver in first round – 42.9% from two, 57.1% from three
Regular season – 48.2% from two, 51.8% from three
Frequency of shots on 3+ dribbles
v Boston – 27.2%
v Dallas – 15.8%
v Memphis – 18.1%
v Denver – 13.1%
Regular season – 20.2%
Frequency of shots after ball-handling for between 2-6 seconds
v Boston – 39.4%
v Dallas – 38.2%
v Memphis – 22.9%
v Denver – 27.4%
Regular season – 29.9%
Frequency of shots considered open or wide open (closest defender minimum 4+ feet)
v Boston – 48.5%
v Dallas – 57.9%
v Memphis – 56.2%
v Denver – 59.5%
Regular season – 60.2%