The Chase Center has rarely buzzed like that this year! However, we were just at the end of the first quarter, but the public was excited to see Klay Thompson playing like the “Splash Brother” that he was. Now sixth man, Thompson scored 16 points in six minutes, and his newfound confidence is obviously great to see.
“In a way, he is confronted with his own mortality as an athlete,” nicely analyzes Steve Kerr. It’s a “little death” for a star to no longer be as effective and influential as before, and to agree to come off the bench.
Ultimately author of 23 points in the defeat against the Nuggets, Thompson repeats that this role suits him. ” That's great ! I feel fresher, especially mentally. I never considered coming off the bench as a regression, seeing as I still play 25 to 30 minutes a night. “I've been in the NBA for a long time and I have to be grateful that I can still be productive at a high level with this amount of playing time.”
Less pressure at the end of the bench
For Kerr, who played with Manu Ginobili at the Spurs, but also convinced Andre Iguodala to come off the bench at Golden State, Thompson changed his attitude, regained his enthusiasm.
“His approach is much better than a few weeks ago. This season has been full of emotions for him” recalls the Warriors coach. “He knows how good he was six years ago and he struggled to come to terms with himself after the injuries. What we're trying to make him understand is that he's a hell of a player. But he's at his best when he's not rushing and not preoccupied with trying to get back to being the player he was six years ago. Coming off the bench may have helped him in that regard. I notice he is more relaxed. His approach, his leadership in the locker room… It's different and I think he's starting to feel more comfortable in his role. »
Looking forward to playing with Chris Paul
Same observation with Stephen Curry, who is getting used to starting without his “brother”. “It’s about realizing that whatever role he plays, he’s still Klay Thompson. Just go out on the court and play basketball. Don't let the items give you peace of mind. »
Thompson is even very enthusiastic about the idea of coming off the bench with Chris Paul, since the latter should resume very quickly. “I'm excited to be with him on the field and to guide this second unit. You couldn't ask for better as a backcourt off the bench. It's very exciting. »
Same feeling with Curry. “It's going to be fun… Our starting five has been playing a lot better for a while, and if we can get off to a good start and have those two guys coming in, there'll be a lot of smiles and confidence in what they'll be able to do. 'bring to the field'.
