What is Steve Kerr’s explanation to play Klay Thompson in 2nd game of a back-to-back?
Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson appeared in his first back-to-back fixture since 2019 on Tuesday night against the LA Clippers. With the guard making an appearance during a rather difficult time of the season, head coach Steve Kerr explained the reason behind the decision.
Klay Thompson is undoubtedly one of the most important players in the Warriors' roster. As a four-time champion, Klay brings enough veteran experience and championship pedigree to the floor to make the team competitive.
In light of Steph Curry's absence, along with Andrew Wiggins' unavailability for Tuesday's game, it was imperative that Klay be available. However, the game itself is of more significance for the guard.
The matchup against the Clippers comes on the second night of a back-to-back. For Thompson, this becomes his first back-to-back game since 2019.
After successive season-ending injuries in 2019 and 2020, Thompson made his return to the basketball court last season. However, considering the process of recovery, he was restricted from playing in back-to-back games.
Given the Warriors' current predicament, Thompson would need to be available as well. With this in mind, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also explained the reason behind this decision. Prior to the game against the Clippers, Kerr said:
"I just rely on our performance team to make all those decisions. The thought throughout the first-half of the season was that they wanted Klay to build up to this point. Rick told me a month ago that I think we're getting closer."
Steve Kerr explains the decision to play Klay in the second game of a back-to-back for the first time this season https://t.co/5hyWBnndax
Having Thompson available on the second night of a back-to-back certainly reduces the burden on Kerr's shorthanded Warriors. While the team is solid as a whole, the Warriors only have a handful of players who contribute in a large capacity.
Given the Dubs' poor standing in the West, every game is necessary. Playing without Curry and Wiggins is undoubtedly a greater challenge to address. In this regard, the Warriors will look to Klay to compensate in the scoring department.
Klay Thompson stays solid in his first back-to-back game
Klay Thompson's first back-to-back game has been quite a bit of a significant occasion for the Golden State Warriors star. However, it comes at a rather tumultuous time in the season. Given the role placed upon his shoulders, Thompson has been put in a position to produce.
Heading into the fourth-quarter of the game against the LA Clippers, Klay looked pretty solid. Considering that he played 36 minutes on Monday night against the Wizards, Thompson has held up quite well.
In 28 minutes of playing time, Klay Thompson recorded 18 points, two rebounds and two assists on 7-14 shooting from the field. Going 4-7 from behind the arc, the Warriors guard appears to have found a bit of a groove.
However, the game itself didn't go in the Warriors' favor. Facing a 124-134 loss on the road, the Warriors found themselves falling to .500 on the season once again.