It wouldn’t be the contemporary Warriors without a revolving door for the players, would it?
Just about an hour after Andrew Wiggins wrapped up his press conference with reporters to discuss his return to the team, Warriors guard Klay Thompson was listed as a late scratch on the injury report with lower back soreness.
Thompson has been key to the Warriors this season, often keeping the team afloat while Steph Curry missed two 11-game stints due to shoulder and leg injuries. Thompson missed two late shot attempts in Sunday’s brutal loss against the Denver Nuggets.
In Year 13, Klay is putting up some career numbers, as he entered play Tuesday leading the NBA in 3-pointers made (290) this season. It also marks a career high, along with his 4.3 3-pointers per game, which is second only to his Splash Brother Curry (5.0).
Last week, Steph discussed what it’s like to be No. 1 and No. 2 in the league in 3-pointers per game with Klay, for the first time since 2017.
“It’s more a testament to him and what he’s been through and coming back,” Curry said. “He’s the one that’s set a new career record this year for 3s made. It’s not surprising but it is amazing to know that he’s still pushing the envelope on what he can accomplish out there. We know we’re gonna shoot a lot of threes, it’s about connecting the volume and efficiency that we pride ourselves on.”
The Warriors have worked through extended absences from players like Wiggins, Curry, Jonathan Kuminga, JaMychal Green and Donte DiVincenzo this season, while Draymond Green has been banged-up all year.
Last year, Curry missed the final 12 games of the regular season with a foot injury but returned for the first round. To that point, Steph, Klay and Draymond had only played 11 minutes together – but the trio brought another title back to The Bay.
A back issue is worrisome for Klay heading into the playoffs, as the Warriors will hope that this one won’t linger for too long. He missed 31 months from 2019-22 while dealing with Achilles and ACL injuries, but has been playing in back-to-backs since February.
The Warriors play again Friday in Sacramento before wrapping up the regular season Sunday in Portland. The play-in tournament will be held April 11-14 before the first round begins April 15.
