Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson will play his first back-to-back games since 2019 when the Dubs visit the LA Clippers on Tuesday (February 14). Thompson has sat for one of two straight games since returning from injury in January 2022.
He suffered an ACL injury in the 2019 finale and missed the 2019-20 season. Thompson was preparing to return for the 2020-21 season, but suffered an Achilles tear that forced him to miss another season and a half.
However, the former All-Star player is now reaching his peak physical performance. He gave a positive response to his availability against the Clippers tomorrow after playing 36 minutes the other night. Here’s what he had to say (via Warriors on NBCS):
“I’m so excited… Huge milestone. It’s even more fun to do it in front of the family. I’ve had so many great times in that building [Crypto.com Arena] with my dad and my brothers and my mother.”
Klay expects to play tomorrow night in LA 🙌 https://t.co/YRdbzM9r3u
Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, once played for the LA Lakers. He spent four seasons there between 1987 and 1991, playing a key role in their championship wins in 87′ and 88′. Klay was born in LA and has a special relationship with the city. He spent several years of his childhood while his father represented the Lakers.
Klay Thompson looks sharp ahead of his first back-to-back games in nearly four years for the Golden State Warriors
Klay Thompson last played back-to-back in April 2019. The Golden State Warriors have been cautious with him since his return from multiple long-term injuries a year ago. The five-time NBA All-Star has gone through a grueling period of recovery and reconditioning to get to this point.
Thompson was instrumental in the Warriors’ title win last season. He struggled early this season but eventually found his groove, especially after Steph Curry went down with a shoulder injury in mid-December. Thompson only improved with each game.
Since the start of 2023, he has averaged 25.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, shooting 44/43/91. His contributions have helped the struggling Golden State Warriors stay afloat in their bid to finish in the top four.
Klay Thompson looks sharp ahead of his first back-to-back games. The Warriors will be somewhat relieved. In the last five games, he was the team’s best player, averaging 25.8 points on 44.8% shooting from the field, including 41.8% from three and 13.4 attempts.
The Golden State Warriors need this production from him, with superstar Steph Curry out again with a leg injury. The Warriors are currently 9th in the West at 29-28 and desperately need to put together a decent winning streak to finish with the higher seed.