By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Klay Thompson had to overcome a long and tough rough up to making his season debut for the Golden State Warriors, and on Saturday night he proved he’s back for good.
Thompson posted a season-high performance of 38 points while shooting 8 of 14 from the three-point line in Warriors‘ 122-109 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, with the home crowd chanting his name.
“That one felt good”, said Thompson while entering the Warriors’ lockers after the win. The veteran point guard overcame a rough patch in the previous games while he was only shooting 34% to lead the Warriors to their third consecutive victory.
“Everybody makes a big deal about my shooting, man”, he told reporters after the game. “I mean, I’m not happy with how I was shooting but I know these nights are within me. I just know. I’ve done too many great things that players haven’t done before to doubt myself.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Thompson’s effort and recognized that his player sometimes is a hard critic of himself.
“He’s so hard on himself and wants so badly to succeed,” Kerr stated. “I thought he just let the game come to him early. He didn’t hunt shots. Over the past few games, he’s been taking tough ones early, which has kept him from getting into a rhythm. Tonight, it felt like he was taking better shots early. […] You know Klay, once a couple go in, the tougher ones get a lot easier for him.”
For the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thompson’s performance came out of the blue, though the two-time MVP is happy to see the Warriors star back in full form.
“Obviously, we haven’t seen him in a while with his injury. It’s almost like we forgot who he is”, he said. “At the end of the day, it hurts to lose a game, but I’m happy. I’m happy for Klay. I’m happy for somebody, who faces adversity, and is being able to come back and play at a high level. My mindset is I never take away from somebody else. You know, he had a good game and you have to give him credit. He made tough shots. I’m happy that he’s back,”
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