SAN FRANCISCO — In a season in which Klay Thompson has had to grapple with his basketball mortality, he proved once more that he’s still a god-level shooter.
Thompson poured in 32 points in 28 minutes, going 6-for-13 from behind the arc and 12-for-23 overall. Thompson has played more games than any year since his twinning significant injuries — his torn Achilles and torn ACL — and feeling 100% while doing so.
“I just felt really good, body-wise today,” Thompsons said postgame. “Didn’t feel any pain anywhere. I thought that transferred over nicely into the game…82 game (season), you’re not going to be 100% every night. What have I missed, three or four games this year? That’s incredible after two years of rehab, plus. That’s something I can hang my hat on and be proud of: being durable throughout the season.”
The Warriors (43-35) decided to rest Steph Curry and easily won anyway, 118-110. The score was only that close because of the last few minutes with Golden State’s deep reserves stumbling out the clock. Behind Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Chris Paul also scored in double-digits.
Thompson drilled a step-back 3 early in the shot clock for his first triple at 7:49 in the opening quarter. In the next two minutes, the 34-year-old found Trayce Jackson-Davis on an alley-oop, Draymond Green for a 3, and sprayed in two more treys of his own. Without Curry, Thompson’s light was even greener than normal.
In his first nine minutes, Thompson contributed 13 points and four assists, relishing his opportunity as the offense’s primary option.
A running 28-footer from Brandin Podziemski capped an impressive first quarter for the Warriors. With a new focus on keeping their best players fresh for the upcoming playoffs, Steve Kerr rolled out a lineup of Podziemski, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Gui Santos and Trayce Jackson-Davis to finish the frame.
Kuminga, in his first game back after missing six straight with bilateral knee tendinitis, hit his first five shots and finished with 21 points and 10 boards. He looked just as explosive as his pre-injury self.
“It was amazing (having Kuminga back),” Podziemski said. “He’s so athletic and impacts the game with so much force. It’s easy to play with him.”
The team is gearing toward bringing Kuminga off the bench — a role Kuminga’s open to — as they’ve hit their stride by starting dueling bigs in Draymond Green and Jackson-Davis.
Even without Curry on Sunday, the Warriors had a significant talent advantage over the beleaguered Jazz, who have lost Walker Kessler, John Collins, Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson to injuries.
Beyond two-way player Johnny Juzang (27 points), who sank his first five 3-pointers, the Jazz didn’t have enough firepower to match the fire-breathing Thompson.
When Thompson checked back into the game in the second, he drilled three straight shots: a step-back 2, another pull-up against a center on a switch, and a contested 3 to give him 20 points.
A minute later, Thompson canned his fifth 3 after he came off a pair of ball screens. From the bench, Curry raised his arm and pumped his fist in the air. Utah was far too content with letting him get loose on the perimeter. Golden State’s lead hovered around 20, and Thompson freed himself on a backdoor cut for a smooth reverse layup.
Thompson’s 25-point first half was his highest total in a half all year.
Thompson kept gunning in the second half — until his services were no longer required in the fourth. A clean look at the elbow, a corner 3 and tough drive got him up to 32 points. The Chase Center crowd was ready to explode when what would’ve been his seventh 3-pointer rimmed out.
Even though Thompson is flirting with career-lows in field goal and 3-point percentage, he’s still a capable shooter. Only three players — Curry, Luka Doncic and Donte DiVincenzo — have made more 3s this year. The Warriors’ decision to move the shooting guard out of the starting lineup, allowing them more flexibility, has been an unabashed success.
Draymond Green, who briefly walked to the locker room, watched the entire fourth quarter from the bench with pads wrapped around each knee and his lower back. In a blowout, the Warriors didn’t need him; Kerr said Green was available to play in the fourth despite feeling lower back soreness.
More important than any win or loss in the final week of the season will be getting the squad to full health.
