Over the years, we’ve gotten used to Klay Thompson’s dynamite scoring. His career 41-percent shooting from three is one of the best in NBA history. It’s also what’s helped the Warriors win three titles in the last eight years.
Thus far, during this postseason’s championship round against the Celtics (-3.5 in Game 3), the electric Thompson everyone knows is nowhere to be seen. He’s shooting just 10-of-33 (30.3 percent) overall through two games. After making only one three in Golden State’s blowout Game 2 win, he’s 4-of-15 (26.2 percent) from three-point land. That’s… not good.
Searching for “Game 6 Klay” on YouTube for inspiration might help. Actually making shots would be even better.
Klay Thompson says sometimes when he struggles shooting, he will go on YouTube and reference past big games he’s had to maybe help him shake a slump. Asked when was the last time he did so, he said yesterday. Asked what his go-to is on YouTube, he smiled and said: “Game 6 Klay.”
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) June 7, 2022
Thompson’s performance has to improve dramatically if the Warriors are going to climb back on top of the NBA mountain.
Yes, Thompson is likely still trying to get a consistent rhythm. After a torn ACL and Achilles robbed him of the last two seasons, it’s mostly understandable if he’s finding himself. Unfortunately, his team’s current situation demands more output and fast.
On the NBA’s biggest stage, against one of the league’s top defensive teams in the Celtics, the Warriors need Thompson to step up. They might have rising star Jordan Poole draining threes from a country mile. And yes, Steph Curry seems to be in line for his first Finals MVP.
But what happens if even one of Curry and Poole have an off night through the rest of the Finals?
As versatile as guys like Draymond Green might be, the Warriors’ lineup doesn’t exactly possess scorers from top to bottom. The bucket-getters have to put the ball in the hoop consistently. After Poole stepped up in Game 2, it’d be great for the Warriors if Thompson could now have a moment to himself.
Oddsmakers with Tipico Sportsbook seem to think Thompson might bounce back in Wednesday night’s Game 3. The over/under for Thompson’s points is 18.5 (-118 for the over) — fourth-best among both squads combined. Meanwhile, Thompson has an over/under of 2.5 (-180 for the over) on three-pointers.
A terrific performance from Thompson in Boston might go a long way in stealing one on the road. Consistently great play, however — and not just in Game 6 — could very well lead to another title for the Warriors.
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