The NBA off-season is the perfect time for players to improve their game and work on their weaknesses. In the modern era of social media, fans get to see pictures and videos of NBA superstars working out in the gym to stay in shape. But the most entertaining part of the off-season is that fans get to witness players from different teams compete against each other, either in training or pro-am summer leagues. That could sometimes lead to 1 on 1 matchup that fans could only dream of.
One such video has popped up on YouTube where the 4-time NBA Champion Klay Thompson can be seen going head-to-head against the sophomore Indiana guard Bennedict Mathurin to get ready for the 2023-24 season.
Indiana Sophomore goes 1 on 1 against the 5-time NBA All-Star
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In the latest YouTube video posted by Swish Cultures, Warriors’ guard Klay Thompson was seen preparing for next season by going head-to-head against Indiana’s 21-year-old guard Bennedict Mathurin. Working out with trainer Charlie Torres, things got heated between the two NBA guards as they got deep in their bags to score buckets on each other’s heads. After winning his 4th NBA title in 2022, Klay Thompson is coming off a disappointing season last year, being eliminated in the playoffs by LeBron James and Co. With the motivation to get back in the title picture next season, the 33-year-old was matching the pace of the young sophomore during their 1 on 1 match.
Bennedict Mathurin also had a breakout season for the Indiana Pacers last year. Averaging 16.7 points in the 78 games played in his rookie season, Mathurin announced his arrival in the NBA with his performance. With a very high ceiling and huge potential, the 21-year-old guard showed promise to become a future star for the Indiana Pacers. Both guards worked on multiple drills during their 1 on 1 matchup. Klay showed his shooting prowess while Mathurin used his athleticism to get buckets on the 5-time All-Star.
Klay Thompson is ready to bounce back next season
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After his devastating injury in the 2019 finals, Klay has not been the same player he once was since his return. A lethal shooter for the Golden State Warriors, Klay was also a great defender during his prime. After missing 2 seasons, Klay made his return in the latter half of the 2021-22 season. He showed signs of Greatness on occasion but was not consistent with his performance. In the 2022-23 season, Klay averaged 21.9 points and looked in better shape than his previous season.
Fully healthy for the upcoming season, Klay Thompson will look to play at an All-Star level and help Stephen Curry and Co. win their 5th Championship.
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With the Warriors’ core aging, the trio of Steph, Klay, and Draymond need to make the most out of the time they have left together. Klay believes the Warriors have one more championship left in them to elongate the run of one of the Greatest Dynasties in NBA history. Working out with young talent like Bennedict Mathurin, Klay is getting ready to match up with the young stars of the NBA when the next season starts.
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