Watch: Locked in Klay Thompson hilariously denies a halftime interview after dropping 33 points in first half vs Suns
Klay Thompson was in his element during the Golden State Warriors 123-112 home win against the Phoenix Suns on Monday. The sharpshooter went off for 33 points in the first half alone, shooting 12-of-18 from the field, including eight three-pointers.
Thompson was fired up after finishing the half with a made 3-pointer. While walking off the court, the five-time All-Star appeared so locked in that he hilariously denied an interview. Here's a clip of the incident (via 95.7 The Game):
Klay was too fired up to stop for a halftime interview 😆 https://t.co/6FjsoZa9dj
It was a vintage performance from Klay Thompson, who recorded his fifth career game in which he has scored at least 30 points in a half. He combined with Steph Curry as the duo outscored the Phoenix Suns 30-21 in the first quarter on 11-of-14 shooting.
The Warriors took a 43-21 advantage overall in the opening 12 minutes. Thompson finished with 38 points and five rebounds, helping the Warriors win their second consecutive game. He went cold in the second half, but Thompson did enough damage in the first half to limit the Suns' chances of making a shocking comeback.
Klay Thompson initially struggled this season with his shot but hasn't looked back since he rediscovered his rhythm. Since November, he has shot 42.2% from 3-point range on 10.9 attempts per game, second only behind his "Splash Brother," Steph Curry, who has converted 44.4% of his 3-pointers on 11.3 attempts during that stretch.
The first-half scoring burst against Phoenix was another example of Thompson inching closer to being the player he was before he tore his Achilles in the 2019 finals. The Warriors have often ended up on the winning side during his efficient games, so they will hope that Thompson can sustain this come playoff time.
Not even close to grazing the rim. #PhantomCam
@KlayThompson: 38 PTS, 8 3PM in W https://t.co/QUoYewJOSs
Klay Thompson will be vital to Golden State Warriors' turnaround away from home
The Golden State Warriors haven't performed per expectations coming off a championship win this season. They have been highly inconsistent all year. The Warriors have dominated at home, scripting a 29-7 record, but the story is entirely different away from home, where they are 7-26.
Golden State has hovered around the .500 mark all year. The Warriors are about to embark on a five-game road trip. They need to post a winning record, or else they could fall into the play-in bracket.
Golden State is currently 36-33 and ranked fifth in the Western Conference. However, the seventh-placed Timberwolves are a game behind them, while teams placed ninth to 11th (Lakers, Pelicans and Thunder) are only two games behind.
However, Klay Thompson firing on all cylinders just before the road trip begins is what the Warriors may need to turn things around away from home. Thompson has struggled a bit away, averaging 19.0 points on 41.9% shooting. He is averaging 24.8 points at home on 44.9% shooting.
If he can perform just as well as he does at home, the Dubs could see some of the 50-50 games go their way, which will be crucial for them to secure a top-six spot.