Klay Thompson, the shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, openly admitted to feeling the challenge of being benched during the team’s recent 109-98 triumph over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night.
“It’s hard for anybody,” Thompson expressed to reporters post-game. “To go from one of the best players… It’s tough.”
In his 30 minutes on the court, Thompson managed eight points, making four of nine field goal attempts, but missed all three of his shots from beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson said it’s hard to not close: “Yeah, you kidding me? To go from one of the best players…It’s hard for anybody.”
Klay credited the young guys.
Draymond from off camera (to reporters): “I didn’t close Game 5 of the Finals. Who the f*** cares?” pic.twitter.com/CzYNX4vulw
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2024
“I’ve come to terms with it,” he added. “You can feel frustrated, but I’m choosing not to. I’m happy for these young guys, of course. Winning in this league is no easy feat.”
Thompson has been a consistent starter in all 45 games this season, averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. However, his shooting accuracy has been wavering, with a field goal percentage of 41.5% and a three-point percentage of 37.4%.
Thompson’s defensive performance has been less impressive, often struggling to contain opponents driving to the basket, resulting in a -2.9 net rating, the third-lowest among Warriors players averaging at least 15 minutes per game.
As Thompson approaches unrestricted free agency in the summer, there has been speculation about potential trade discussions if the Warriors’ management decides against re-signing him.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the team has shown “no interest” in trading Thompson or Draymond Green before the February 8 deadline.
In Monday’s game, 21-year-old forward Gui Santos replaced Thompson in the closing lineup, likely a strategic move by head coach Steve Kerr to incorporate more size after Nets center Nic Claxton’s ejection due to a flagrant 2 foul. Santos performed well, contributing nine points and five rebounds on 3-5 shooting in just 18 minutes of play.
