Klay Thompson will be an important part of the Warriors plan going forward in the NBA Finals series vs the Boston Celtics. Thompson has been struggling in the first two games of the series shooting 10- for-33 from the field.
With the series tied at 1-1, Thompson getting out of his shooting funk could be the key to turn the tide in the Finals. In the first two games, Thompson is averaging 13 points shooting 30 an abysmal 30 percent from the field.
“I think he’s just pressing a little bit. He just wants so badly to do well that he’s taking some bad ones,” Steve Kerr said on Thompson’s shooting struggles.
Thompson has seen some ups and downs during those playoffs after staying away from the game for almost two years. He returned to action last January however he had an sufficient production through 18 games this postseason.
He’s averaging 19.1 points on 44/38/81 shooting splits along with 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He has three 30+ point games through 18 games one in each series since the first round.
“I’m not particularly concerned about it because this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Klay has a way of responding to mini slumps or whatever you want to call them,” Kerr said Tuesday.
“The point of emphasis will be let’s make sure we get good rhythm shots early. If we do that individually and as a team, then it puts everybody in a better position.”
Thompson expects to respond in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Thompson admitted he rushed some shots during the first two games. However, he was happy his team won the last one by a 20 points margin despite the fact that he did not shoot well.
“When I watched the film, I probably seemed a little rushed. I wasn’t underneath my shot. This is nothing I’m immune to. I’ve been through shooting slumps before. The best part is, it’s how you respond,” Thompson said.
“Come Game 3, I’ll probably not do much differently, rather than just play with great pace and pump great shots. When I tend to do that, I tend to have a big night.”
