The Golden State Warriors’ recent contest with the Phoenix Suns was met with much fanfare and drama.
Draymond was ejected early in the second half due to his scuffle with Jusuf Nurkic, putting everyone on high alert.
This wasn’t the only storyline of this game, as Klay Thompson was benched late in the fourth quarter.
As reporter Anthony Slater shared on Twitter, Thompson spoke about being benched in a postgame interview.
Thompson called his benching “strange” while also noting that he has “been playing like crap.”
Klay Thompson said it was “strange” to be benched to close the game but said he “deserved” to be benched: “I’ve been playing like crap.” He said he wasn’t given explanation but “I trust Steve. I trust Steve now and forever will.”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 13, 2023
He also mentioned that the team didn’t give him a definitive reason for being benched.
However, he maintained that he trusted his coaching staff, especially Steve Kerr.
Thompson seems to be okay with this, at least for now.
Whether there will be any additional backlash regarding this benching remains to be seen.
Thompson finished the game playing just 27 minutes, scoring seven points while going 2-10 from the field.
Six players outscored him, five of whom came off the bench.
Thompson is currently averaging 15.4 points per game, the lowest season-long total since his rookie season.
Something must change for Thompson, especially if the Warriors want to return to their dominant ways.
He is expected to be the Robin to Steph Curry’s Batman, but so far this season, that is not happening.
Only time will tell if Thompson can get back to his typical self.
He hasn’t been quite the same since his string of injuries over the past few years, and his team suffers as a result.
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