For the first time in years, Klay Thompson came off the bench for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night and that move seemed to do a lot of good for him.
Thompson ended up scoring 35 points and shooting 7-of-13 from the three-point line in the team’s 140-137 win over the Utah Jazz.
Following the game, Andrew Wiggins spoke with NBC Sports and the press about this change for Thompson and how he accepted it like a professional.
“He didn’t complain or nothing. He took it out on the court…He played his heart out, had a great game, played competitive…That’s the Klay we love to see,” Wiggins said.
"He didn't complain or nothing. He took it out on the court."
Wiggs praises Klay's response to coming off the bench 💯 pic.twitter.com/C0LkwPCVy8
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 16, 2024
Thompson’s move to the bench earned a ton of attention from NBA analysts and fans, who were shocked to see head coach Steve Kerr make this choice.
It comes in the middle of a very tough season for Thompson, who is averaging 17.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Just a few nights before, he put up only 12 points and 3 rebounds in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kerr suggested that Thompson could be a bench player for the foreseeable future but he might change his mind after Thursday’s great showing.
Will Thompson soon be starting again alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and Wiggins?
The Warriors now have a 27-26 record and have been doing better lately, causing some people to think that perhaps they are finally turning things around.
The team is at a pivotal point in the season and so Thompson’s next moves will be closely watched.
Will he stay a part of the second unit or be integrated back into the starting five?
More importantly, what sort of impact would either choice have on the team?
NEXT: Steph Curry Details How He Approaches 3-Point Contests
