Klay Thompson may not have had a stellar performance for the first three quarters of the game against the Sacramento Kings, who were led by De’Aaron Fox.
However, Thompson understands when it’s crucial for him to unleash his clutch abilities, especially when his teammates, like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, need it the most.
In the closing moments of the game, as Stephen Curry faced immediate defensive pressure after crossing the halfcourt, the Golden State Warriors required someone to step up for the potential game-winner. Klay Thompson assumed this critical role as the late-game hero, sinking the game-winning shot with just 0.2 seconds left on the clock. The Kings had no time to attempt a final shot. Thompson opened up about his feelings after his clutch shot, following Draymond Green’s incredible defensive efforts, as reported by Michael Corvo of ClutchPoints.
“Throughout the 82 games of the regular season, it’s almost impossible to have a flawless or outstanding performance every night. These wins are monumental, especially as the regular season winds down. We’ll look back on these victories with gratitude for persevering when things weren’t going our way,” wisely stated the sharpshooter of the Warriors.
Despite the Kings throwing everything at him, affecting his off-ball opportunities and shotmaking, Klay Thompson only managed 14 points in 29 minutes of playing time, far from his usual stats. His contributions in other aspects of the game were also relatively modest, with only two rebounds and two assists.
This hard-fought victory provides numerous valuable lessons, but the confidence to take the crucial shot, even on an off night, stands out as a critical aspect of the Warriors’ success.