After another memorable performance late Saturday night, Klay Thompson vowed to be even better Sunday night.
“Like I said before, we’re going to be better tomorrow and play with more energy,” he said after the Warriors lost by eight points to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “And for me personally, it’s the worst performance so far in this young season.
“So we’re hoping to have a great rebounding game tomorrow.”
His promise was not kept. It wasn’t for lack of trying. Clay’s energy is great and his efforts are commendable. He was lacking in the Warriors’ 110-106 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, as he ate everything.
Golden State’s offense once again lived and died with everything Stephen Curry could create. Although he racked up a game-high 38 points, his pursuit of success has been a lonely journey.
Andrew Wiggins, designated as Curry’s primary sidekick, and Thompson combined for 22 points. Wiggins, who scored six points, had another game with virtually no offensive impact.
“We need scoring and playmaking from other places,” coach Steve Kerr said. “We want to continue to steadily move forward and move on from there and see where it takes us.”
According to the rites of history, it will begin with Clay. He is Steph’s touchstone twin. He has been working with Steph since 2011. They are blood brothers in the backcourt, four-time NBA champions, and have achieved greatness as a duo due to their ability to play off each other, each filling the void left by the other.
Clay hopes to continue the tradition. He wants his All-Star spot back. Steph wants the same for her teammates. But 11 games into the season, Golden State’s offense is mostly Curry and Prayer.
Many times in the past, Thompson, the man with golden shooting mechanics, has answered those prayers.
But he was there early in the fourth quarter when the Warriors tried to fight back into the game, attacking the rim with a breakaway layup that rolled off the rim.
That moment was iconic. A shot with an extremely high conversion rate fails at a critical moment.
Thompson took 16 shots and made five. He made 3 of 10 3-pointers. He drained all three free throws and scored 16 points, good for second on the team behind Curry.
But Clay wants more than that. Shooting is his NBA identity and always has been. Even back in the day, when the Warriors used to make him the most threatening backcourt scorer on defense, Klay’s status revolved around his shot and the form that launched it.
His defensive assignments have changed, a product of physical limitations imposed by a devastating injury midway through his career. Clay still has perfect shooting form and will continue to do so as long as he can jump.
But his shots keep falling under the net. He is shooting 43 percent from the field and 34 percent from deep. At this point, Clay settled into any shot, regardless of distance, providing him with a nice swish sound.
To be fair, Wiggins’ role is to be the team’s No. 3 scorer. Clay is number two. Until his scores arrive, and history speaks for itself, the Warriors can start thinking their offense is close to perfection.
“There were some open looks that we missed,” Kerr said. “So 12-of-43 from three. We can definitely shoot better. I think we’ll do that on Tuesday.”
Another oath. This time from the coach. Let’s see if a difference of 2 days makes a difference.
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