8X NBA All-Star praises Klay Thompson for putting up All-star Star performance against Houston Rockets: "Klay Thompson was Ballin Ballin"
After Klay Thompson had struggled to shoot the ball from the 3-point area, he finally had his breakout game of the season. In a 127-120 over the Houston Rockets on Sunday, Thompson erupted for 41 points, and Vince Carter was easily impressed, just like everyone else.
During the Golden State Warriors' matchup against the Rockets, Thompson felt good about his shot and just decided to let it fly from deep. After Thompson's impressive outing, Carter, the former Slam Dunk champion, couldn't help but express his adoration for the sharpshooter:
"He was ballin', ballin'," Carter said. "Klay Thompson's always listening. He's hearing everybody talk about, 'Does he still have it?'
"It's great to see Klay Thompson back to form. Now, if the Warriors could continue to get some wins, particularly on the road, they'll get back into the talk."
Throughout his career, it's been known that Thompson experiences struggles at the beginning of every season. For the 2022-23 season, it's been the same routine. In his first 11 games, the four-time champion was only making 33% of his shots from 3-point range, showing an obvious struggle.
KLAY THOMPSON TONIGHT:
41 Points
4 Rebounds
3 Assists
2 Steals
61% FG
10/13 3PM
HE'S BACK. 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/o6dIfHpazX
The five-time All-Star could be on his way to having a great season now that his outside stroke is back.
Also read: Klay Thompson reacts to his 41-point explosion against Houston Rockets: "It felt good to help Steph a little bit"
Klay Thompson can still go back to his old self
Before getting injured, Thompson was able to average at least 20 points a game. This season, however, has been nothing but slow for the five-time All-Star. Even though he's averaging 17.3 ppg, Thompson has a chance to bump his numbers up.
Aside from his 41-point performance, Thompson has had decent games where he has shot the ball well. During a game against the Orlando Magic, Thompson scored 27 points and made 7 of his 15 attempts from 3-point range. In a 111-101 win over the New York Knicks on Friday, the former 3-point champion had 20 points on 4-for-10 shooting from deep.
Klay Thompson is the Warriors' key to success this season
Throughout their championship runs, the Warriors have exercised incredible teamwork and ball movement. One of the biggest reasons why that became effective was because of Thompson's role in the offense. Even as a secondary shooter, he's developed into a lethal threat from beyond the arc.
Looking at the Warriors offense, they exemplify on-ball and off-ball movement. That is why guarding both Thompson and Steph Curry at the same time is a daunting task for opposing teams.
Now that Thompson looks to have his groove back, the Warriors could have a real shot at making a trip back to the finals for the second straight year. Defensively, he won't be much of a difference-maker, however. But his offense can still provide something that's been missing for Golden State.
Also read: Klay Thompson on his sublime performance after receiving continuous flak: “It's only up from here, I promise"