Klay Thompson Dominates with a Season-High 35 Points After Being Moved to the Bench for the First Time Since His Rookie Year

Either Klay Thompson thought it was a personal affair, or he enjoyed moving to the bench.

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Klay Thompson goes off for season-high 35 points after being moved to bench for 1st time since rookie year - Yahoo Sports

Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, decided on Thursday to start rookie Brandin Podziemski in place of the four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star. This is the first time since Podziemski’s rookie season that he has been benched. The move ended Thompson’s 727-game starting streak, and it came after he made a crucial error in the Warriors’ previous game.

Klay Thompson sent to the bench for the first time since 2012, responds with a season-high 35 points – KGET 17

The move was both a surprise and something that was expected for a long time. Thompson, who is 34 years old, has been averaging 17.0 points per game this season—his lowest average since 2012–13—among the Warriors’ players, none has shown off their advanced years more than Thompson. Furthermore, he has been registering the lowest shooting percentages of his career from outside the arc (36.8%) and from the field (41.5%).

It may have been a difficult time for a respected player. On the other hand, he responded with the best game of the season.

Klay Thompson not in Warriors' starting lineup, comes off bench for first time since rookie season

With 13 of his 22 shots made and no turnovers or personal fouls, Thompson scored 35 points, his highest total of the season. In addition, he passed the 15,000-point mark, which was a career milestone.

If Thompson was uncomfortable with being benched, he didn’t show it in his halftime interview with NBC Sports Bay Area. He credited his new role for his “refreshed stamina.” Similarly, Shayna Rubin of the Mercury News claimed that he shared some wisdom following the game:

“In addition, I have realised that I will receive a substantial amount of playing time.” When thinking about becoming a substitute player, one must swallow their ego. I thought about Manu Ginobili, who has won four championship rings and a gold medal while his whole career has been spent as a replacement.

ClutchPoints on X: "Klay Thompson will come off the bench tonight vs. the Jazz, the Warriors say. It's the first time Thompson has come off the bench since 2012 https://t.co/ehVoCGzoCb" /

Thompson will now have time to heal over the All-Star break, as the Warriors’ next game is scheduled for February 22 against the Los Angeles Lakers. Thompson appears to remain a substitute player for the next game, based on Kerr’s post-game remarks to the media. Kerr did, however, also note that this choice may not be final.

Thompson still has a great deal of skill and ability, based on his performance on Thursday. Nonetheless, it makes sense that the Warriors would want to determine “Bench Klay’s” complete skill set.