It seemed inevitable the Golden State Warriors would make adjustments. They have won four NBA championships in six Finals appearances for a reason.
It seemed inevitable Klay Thompson would have a break-out shooting performance. He has become the NBA’s second-best shooter behind Stephen Curry for a reason.
In Golden State’s 127-100 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday in Game 2 of their second-round playoff series, the Warriors showed how Thompson’s play often bears relation to the team’s overall identity.
Thompson finished with 30 points while shooting prolifically from the field (11-for-18) and from 3-point range (8-for-11). That marked a stark improvement from Thompson’s effort in Game 1. Then, he had 25 points on 9-for-25 shooting, including going 1-for-8 in the third quarter. It also represented a better game than Thompson’s Game 7 performance against Sacramento. Then, he scored 16 points while shooting only 4-for-19 from the field and 2-for-10 from deep.
But this didn’t just capture Thompson having a bounce-back game. It also encapsulated how the Warriors made various adjustments that ensured such a shooting performance in the first place.
Klay Thompson’s shooting a reflection on Warriors
That’s because how Klay Thompson shoots often reflects how well or poorly the rest of the team functioned. Considering Thompson mostly thrives in catch-and-shoot opportunities, his play also conveys whether the Warriors ran a fluid offense based on strong ball movement. Because their offense runs best when they play in rhythm and at a sharp pace, the Warriors’ execution also depends on making defensive stops and controlling the glass.
Well, the Warriors tied the series at 1-1 by outlining the perfect template to replicate for Game 3 in L.A. on Saturday (8:30 pm ET, ABC).
After becoming ineffective due to early foul trouble in Game 1, Warriors forward Draymond Green played with balanced discipline and aggression as the primary defender on Lakers forward Anthony Davis. He bears more responsibility for how he played in Game 2 (11 points on 5-for-11 shooting, seven rebounds and four turnovers) than how he fared in Game 1 (30 points on 11-for-19 shooting, 23 rebounds). Yet, Green also played a hand in making life more difficult for the Lakers’ co-star. After the Lakers dominated with scoring in the paint in Game 1 (54), the Warriors trimmed that number in Game 2 (42). After the Lakers proved mostly effective on the boards in Game 1 (53-49), the Warriors dominated the glass in Game 2 (55-40).
Both of those developments did not necessarily lead to the Warriors dramatically improving in fast-break points in Game 2 (17 points) compared to Game 1 (14). Those factors, though, helped Golden State play at a faster pace. That set Thompson up for more open looks. Thompson cashed an open 3 in transition after Curry passed out of a double-team. Thompson received an outlet pass for an open layup. And Thompson nailed a pull-up jump over Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell in transition.
The Warriors’ offense also ran more smoothly even without needing defensive stops. In Game 2, Curry reduced his workload both with his scoring (20 points on -for-12 shooting; 3-for-5 from 3) and minutes (30) compared to his Game 1 output (27 points on 10-for-24 shooting, six-for-13 from deep in 38 minutes). But that coincided with Curry assuming a bigger playmaking role in Game 2 (12 assists) compared to Game 1 (six assists). Overall, the Warriors had more assists in Game 2 (38) than in Game 1 (30).
Warriors coach Steve Kerr also started seldom-used forward JaMychal Green in place of Kevon Looney, who had a reduced bench role because of an unspecified illness. But Kerr also made the move to have a smaller lineup both to improve offensive spacing and to prevent Looney from falling into early foul trouble.
Both of those wrinkles did not just help JaMychal Green (15 points), Draymond Green (11), Andrew Wiggins (11) and Moses Moody (10) to score in double figures. That also ensured crisper ball movement that led to Thompson receiving more open shots. With the improved spacing, Thompson also had more room to operate off-the-ball. On one play, Thompson curled up to the top of the key for an open 3 after Draymond Green set an effective down screen. On another play, Thompson curled for a quick catch-and-shoot after Donte DiVincenzo found him open in the pocket.
Klay Thompson’s defense a key for Warriors
In fairness to Klay Thompson, he has historically and recently played well even during off shooting nights. Despite Thompson’s poor shooting in Game 7 against Sacramento, the Warriors’ coaching staff praised him for his defense. Aside from his third-quarter numbers against the Lakers in Game 1, Thompson still went 7-for-14 in the first half. And for all the praise Thompson deserves for his strong shooting in Game 2, he also played a key factor in Lakers guard Austin Reaves shooting only 3-for-11 from the field.
Nonetheless, Thompson’s prolific shooting stroke became notable for the big-picture implications
Klay Thompson has dreamt about competing against his hometown Lakers during a playoff series since the Warriors drafted him in 2011. Klay’s father (Mychal) will be in the broadcast booth per usual for Game 3 in LA. As will friends at Santa Margarita Catholic High. It seems likely Thompson will write a story-book series.
Most importantly, the Warriors’ identity has returned with an offense centered on ball movement and a defense focused on, well, actually defending. Though the Warriors can always lean on Curry to carry the team in critical situations, they know the strength-in-numbers concept appears more sustainable. That’s partly because those ingredients significantly help Thompson become the best version of himself.
Mark Medina is an NBA Insider with Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter and on Instagram.