Klay Thompson reacts to criticism of his sluggish season start: “I deserve more credit for battling through all that injury s**t”
Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson has become an expert in adversity. After a slow start to this season, Thompson knows exactly what this situation feels like.
The 32-year-old wing has been a crucial piece of the Golden State Warriors organization. Since entering the league in 2011, Thompson has become one of the top two-way wings in the entire NBA. After a pair of consecutive season-ending injuries, Thompson made his long-anticipated return to the court last year.
It was a remarkable comeback. Thompson averaged 20.4 points per game in 32 games last season. Klay didn't stop there as he helped the Warriors secure another NBA championship. With an entire offseason to work on his game, instead of rehabbing previous injuries, Thompson was expected to hit the ground running.
That hasn't happened just yet. Thompson is averaging 14.7 ppg but is shooting just 35.1%. He's heard plenty of criticism from analysts who believe Thompson is on the decline. Thompson shared his opinions about how the recent criticism has started to bother him compared to the past:
“Yeah, that’s true, but I feel like I deserve more credit for battling through all that injury s--t. I helped a team win a championship last year, and people still want to discredit what you do."
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Klay with a message to his critics 🗣
(via @ChrisBHaynes)
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Klay Thompson not worried about Golden State's slow start to season
The Golden State Warriors went on an impressive run to win the NBA championship last season. After the NBA Finals, many considered Golden State to be a team that could contend for years.
With an impressive roster featuring some intriguing youth and veteran stars, Golden State looked to be in a great position. That was until the start of the 2022-23 season. The Warriors started the year winning three of their first five games. It didn't seem like much until Golden State then lost five consecutive games.
“I have no doubt in my mind I’ll get back to form. I was there last year. I was right there. We won a championship. And I have no doubt we’ll get back there.”
- Klay Thompson
(Via @ChrisBHaynes ) https://t.co/ak7OzPzJB7
The Warriors are 6-8 after Monday night's 132-95 win against the Spurs. Golden State is 6-1 at home, but 0-7 on the road. Superstar Steph Curry continues his brilliant play, but Golden State needs someone to step up.
Klay Thompson has continued to reiterate patience, as he knows Golden State and himself have been in this position before. For a player like Thompson, who has been through so much, it would be unwise to bet against him.
Golden State will look to find a groove as they are set to take on the Phoenix Suns (8-5) on Wednesday night. From there, the team will head back home for a game against the New York Knicks (6-7) on Friday. Klay Thompson missed Golden State's last game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. In that game, rising star Jordan Poole started in his place and finished with 36 points.