“Refreshed” Klay Thompson is “Grateful” Despite Reduced Role on Warriors

Klay Thompson feels grateful for his new role. The 4x NBA Champion went through all sorts of scrutiny, owing to his inconsistent run this season. As a result, coach Steve Kerr took the bold call to bench him. Immediately, out of the blue, he dropped his season high-score of 35 points. And tonight, he again followed it up with a quick-fire 23 points with 5 three-pointers.

Despite leading the team’s offense tonight, the Warriors couldn’t cross the line. And following tonight’s game, Thompson was again asked about his new role, coming off the bench. He said, “It’s been great… I feel refreshed mentally from the All-Star break… I never really looked at coming off the bench as a demotion, considering I am still playing 25-30 minutes a night… I have been in this league a long time and still be contributing at a high level and playing those types of minutes. You gotta be grateful for that.”

Coming off the bench also gives an added advantage to China Klay. The veteran point guard Chris Paul, who has been out with a fractured hand, is all set to return. And speaking of joining hands with CP3 in the second unit, Klay had nothing but excitement. He said, “I expect Chris to be himself… One of the greatest playmakers, pesty defender… I’m excited to step on the floor with him and lead our second unit… Can’t really ask for a better backcourt to come off the bench with.” 

CP3 also had a similar treatment when it came to the rotation of players. Thompson at least had the experience of coming off the bench in his starting days, but in the case of Paul, he came off the bench for the first time in his 19-season-long career.

He didn’t make a big fuss about it and continued to go by his business, leading the second unit.

Moreover, Thompson also had a similar mindset, as he spoke about it after his first game, coming off the bench.

Star-studded second unit

As Chris Paul is closer to making his return to the court, he will pair up with Klay Thompson. This will further make the Warriors’ offense deeper and help the team pump in more points during off-Stephen Curry minutes.

And the 4x NBA Champ seemed to have taken his new role with humility and gratefulness. Speaking about his new role, Thompson said, “. You can do two things: you can pout or you can go out there and respond… you just gotta let the ego go when you think of coming off the bench and all that.”

What do you make of Klay Thompson’s wise words about his new role? Will it fetch the star his 5th ring? Let us know in the comments below.

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