In what could be a series-altering situation, Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson left the first quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Finals with what appears to be a knee injury.
Here, we will see Thompson undercut by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith early in the first quarter Thursday night in Oakland.
The injury itself does not look good.
Klay Thompson is headed to the locker room after J.R. Smith inadvertently collided into him.#WhateverItTakes vs. #DubNation pic.twitter.com/dUEgUx9J3d
— Hashtag Basketball (@hashtbasketball) June 1, 2018
There was no official word from Golden State on the significance of the injury immediately after it took place. Though, Thompson was forced to the locker room. He’ll be evaluated by the medical staff with further word coming here soon.
If this is a long-term injury, it will have a dramatic impact on the outcome of the series. Outside of his elite-level scoring, Thompson is among the best perimeter defenders in the Association.
Update: The Warriors announced that Thompson is expected to return.