For the second time in the last three games, Klay Thompson wasn’t on the floor as the Golden State Warriors closed out a game. That’s a new experience for Thompson and it’s one he’s struggling to adjust to.
“Yeah,” Thompson said, when asked if his changing role has been an adjustment. “You kidding me? Go from, you know, one of the best players … it’s hard for anybody.
“I’ll be honest with you. It’s very hard.”
Thompson has slowed as a defender. He’s also not shooting at his normal high level either. That combination has seen Warriors coach Steve Kerr look at other players to help Golden State secure much-needed victories.
“He’s fine,” Kerr said about Thompson. “This is a season where he’s had a lot of ups and downs. It’s not easy for a guy who’s been so good and a Hall of Fame player to deal with the injuries and … it’s never easy for any player, getting older. [But] he’s mentally tough.”
Thompson said the mental part is where he’s struggling a bit.
“I feel great physically,” Thompson said. “Mentally, probably a little different story. But such is life, huh?”