WARRIORS HAS MADE THE DEAL TRANSACTION FOR STAR PLAYER FROM.

Warriors are witnessing resurgence from Klay Thompson, who has, for the time being at least, heeded the criticism.
Thompson has scored in four of his best games of the season since being benched.

Let’s say this about Klay Thompson: he is not only arguably the second-best catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter in history, but he is also an exceptional player.

A little over a week ago, following his benching for the first time in his career during the Warriors’ game against Phoenix in the closing minutes, a report surfaced claiming that Thompson and the Warriors are “not close” to agreeing to a contract extension as this summer’s free agency approaches.

The remaining portion of Thompson’s career—certainly in Golden State, but possibly as a top-tier NBA player overall—was and is beginning to be seriously questioned.

According to NBA tracking data, Thompson was making just 27% of his “open” 3-pointers and shooting below 40% overall when he was benched by Phoenix. By a significant amount, he was scoring at a career low on average. His defense isn’t nearly as strong as it once was. He was never able to make much for himself and he still isn’t.

Even though it was a one-time incident, he was questioned about his demotion, and despite his professional demeanor during the press conference, it was obvious that he was upset.
For the majority of last season and the beginning of this one, he has been in this defiant, “I’ll get the last laugh” kind of state, publicly confronting reporters and anyone else he believes is doubting his ability following two serious injuries.

That’s the distinction between an athlete such as Thompson and one who is more circumstantial in their confidence—which, let’s face it, is most athletes. When you’re on the rise, it’s simple to have complete faith in yourself. But real mental toughness is put to the test when you go from racking up 3s while you sleep to finding yourself suddenly unable to produce anything consistently.

Thompson is currently acing that exam with flying colors. Thompson has scored 30 points against the Clippers, 24 against the Nets, 28 against the Blazers, and 24 more in the Warriors’ thrilling victory over the Celtics on Tuesday. These results span his last four games.

Those four games represent his season high in points scored. That’s not an accident. Nor is the 50% that he is making from three during that time (23-for-46). Thompson felt the heat and chose to use fire to put out fire with fire instead of melting. That is an adversary. both mentally and physically. Thompson is the epitome of toughness. There is never any doubt about that.

It is debatable whether Thompson can continue to produce at this level, or one that is comparable. Or perhaps it’s just a section of calm air amid a tumultuous journey. Though he has always been a bit of a streaker, he was a major player last season, leading the league with 301 3-pointers made at a 41% shooting percentage.

He had some very poor performances in the playoffs, especially against the Lakers, when he basically put the Warriors out of the series. After that, he abruptly fell off. We began writing a eulogy for the old Thompson when the season went on and the shooters kept missing shots with no thought process.

That guy was dying. He flew with Stephen Curry as a legitimate wingman. This new guy is going to be inconsistent because, barring those rare nights when time travels backwards, he’s been reduced to a support role for Curry.