Heading into the season, Steve Kerr discussed how he planned to use Klay Thompson to guard opposing forwards. The Golden State Warriors head coach is comfortable trusting Thompson to use his experience and lower body strength to limit the impact of physically imposing forwards.
At times, the Warriors have strayed from that plan. However, against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Kerr entrusted Thompson to guard reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero. Thompson spent 21 partial possessions guarding Banchero, holding him to 5-of-9 shooting while also securing a block. Of Thompson’s defensive minutes, 49.5% were spent guarding the Magic’s star forward.
In a video posted by the “Warriors Breakdown,” the YouTube channel looked at how Thompson’s performance against Banchero provided some stability to the Warriors’ defensive unit. The channel also looked at how Kerr’s system ensured Thompson was in a position to be successful despite a tough defensive matchup.
You can watch the breakdown video by clicking on the embedded link above.
