In a thrilling match-up against the Utah Jazz, Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors made a statement by coming off the bench for the first time since his rookie season and delivering an extraordinary performance. Knocking down an impressive seven 3-pointers and scoring a season-high 35 points, Thompson played a pivotal role in leading his team to a 140-137 victory on Thursday night.
This unexpected move marked the end of Thompson's remarkable streak of starting 727 consecutive games, a streak that ranked as the fourth-longest active streak in the NBA. Prior to this game, his last appearance as a reserve was on March 11, 2012, during his rookie season. The decision to have him come off the bench this time around was a strategic one, allowing rookie guard Brandin Podziemski to take his place in the starting lineup.
Podziemski, in his first NBA start, also had an impressive showing, contributing 13 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. It was a promising display of his skills and potential in this highly competitive league.
Thompson's performance throughout the game demonstrated his resilience and determination, especially considering his recent struggles. After missing both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons due to injuries, he has faced challenges getting back to his top form. This season, he has been averaging 17 points, which is the lowest since his second year in the league. As a result, there have been occasions where he has not been included in Warriors coach Steve Kerr's closing lineup.
While Thompson may not have been thrilled about his temporary role as a reserve, his true competitive spirit shone through. Kerr, acknowledging Thompson's disappointment, expressed his admiration for the player's unmatched drive and professionalism. Thompson has proven himself time and time again, not only with his incredible shooting ability but also with his championship-winning mentality, making him an invaluable asset to the Warriors.
Thompson's impact on the game was evident from the start, as he racked up 17 points in the Warriors' astounding 84-point first half. However, the Jazz put up a fierce fight, and it was only through a missed 3-pointer by Collin Sexton that the Warriors managed to hold on to their lead and secure the win. Throughout the third quarter, Thompson's dominance intensified, adding another 18 points to his total. During a remarkable four-minute stretch, he sank five baskets, including four 3-pointers, widening the Warriors' lead to 120-102 entering the final quarter.
The game against the Jazz showcased Thompson's incredible shooting prowess and his ability to single-handedly change the momentum of a match. The Warriors, who have been on a hot streak as of late with eight wins in ten games, owed a significant portion of their success to Thompson's electric performance.
In summary, Klay Thompson's decision to come off the bench for the first time since his rookie season did not deter him from making a resounding impact. Scoring a season-high 35 points and sinking seven 3-pointers, Thompson proved once again why he is considered one of the league's elite shooters. Regardless of his role on the team, his dedication and championship mentality continue to shine through, making him an invaluable asset to the Golden State Warriors.
