“I’m so excited… Huge Milestone”

Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson will be playing his first back-to-back game since 2019 when the Dubs visit the LA Clippers on Tuesday (February 14). Thompson has rested on either of the two back-to-back games since his return from injury in January 2022.

He sustained an ACL injury in the 2019 finals and missed the 2019-20 season. Thompson was preparing to return for the 2020-21 season but suffered an Achilles tear that forced him to miss another season and a half.

However, the former All-Star is now hitting his peak physical performance levels. He gave a positive response for his availability against the Clippers tomorrow, after playing 36 minutes the other night. Here’s what he said (via Warriors on NBCS):

“I’m so excited… Huge milestone. Even more fun doing it in front of family. I’ve spent so many great moments in that building [Crypto.com Arena] with my dad and my brothers and my mother.”

Klay expects to play tomorrow night in L.A.

Klay expects to play tomorrow night in L.A. 🙌 https://t.co/YRdbzM9r3u

Klay Thompson’s father, Mychal Thompson, played for the LA Lakers back in the day. He spent four seasons there between 1987 and 1991, playing an integral role in their 87′ and 88′ championship wins. Klay was born in LA and has held a special relationship with the city. He spent a few years of his childhood while his dad represented the Lakers.

Klay Thompson looking sharp ahead of his first back-to-back game in nearly four years for Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson last played in a back-to-back contest in April 2019. The Golden State Warriors have been cautious with him since his return after multiple long-term injuries a year ago. The five-time NBA All-Star has undergone a gruesome recovery and reconditioning period to get to this point.

Thompson was crucial in the Warriors’ championship run last season. He struggled earlier this season but has eventually found his groove, especially after Steph Curry went down with a shoulder injury in mid-December. Thompson has only improved with every game.

Since the start of 2023, he has averaged 25.7 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, shooting on 44/43/91 splits. His contributions have helped the struggling Golden State Warriors stay afloat in their bid to finish as a top-four seeding.

Klay Thompson is looking sharp ahead of his first back-to-back game. The Warriors will be relieved to a certain extent. Over the last five games, he has been the team’s best player, averaging 25.8 points on 44.8% field goal shooting, including 41.8% from three on 13.4 attempts.

The Golden State Warriors need this production from him, with superstar Steph Curry sidelined again with a leg injury. The Warriors are currently 9th in the West with a 29-28 record and desperately need to string together a decent winning stretch to finish with a higher seeding.