Klay Thompson Injured or Sore? (Photo)
Klay Thompson tore up the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. He had 34 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. He shot 50% from the field, even though he only shot 4-12 from three point range, and was an all and all nuisance to the Cavs.
The Cavs still pulled out a victory even with the Thompson “Go Off” game. Huge for the Cavs to win a game when the Splash Brothers score 53 combined, Stephen Curry “only” had 19.
Yet the talk about Thompson right now is about his health after this picture went up on Twitter last night:
Klay Thompson's left knee heavily taped getting off bus tonight in Cleveland. Noticeable limp pic.twitter.com/jrZAKLDD9t
— 3 Sports (@WKYCSports) June 9, 2015
Woah! Golden State Warriors fans were probably a little concerned and Cavs fans a little hopeful when they saw this picture. Knee wrapped in ice and a noticeable limp would be a big concern. Especially true because he was pictured in public, not in the trainer’s room. He was obviously being iced on the team’s bus ride.
So should Warriors fans be concerned and in return Cavs fans be hopeful about a possible Thompson injury?
First, we never wish injury on anyone. Hopeful for Cavs fans is only in the sense that the so called “talent gap” would be less with an injured Thompson. Cavs fans would have zero sympathy, though, after losing both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving in the playoffs.
Second, Thompson’s performance Sunday night may provide us some information. Klay played 46 minutes, second only to LeBron James‘ 50. He only attempted 1 shot in the 5 minute overtime period, missing it. In the 4th quarter Thompson made 3 shots and 2 free throws, so he was much more involved but he also missed 4 shots and had 3 fouls in the quarter.
Third, Thompson has had a long season. He played in 77 games for the Warriors during the Regular Season, as well as 17 during the NBA Playoffs. He also played in the NBA All Star Game while also participating in the 3 point shooting contest. 94 games plus his All Star weekend is a lot on his legs.
Finally, Thompson not only has had a long season but he didn’t get much of a break in the off-season. Thompson was a part of Team USA for the 1st time and won gold at the FIBA Games. Instead of resting, Thompson had to get ready to play and then played in 9 official games, averaging over 23 minutes a game. Add that to the 94 games so far this season and Klay has played over 100 games since the end of last year with little time off.
So is Thompson injured or just sore? The limp is the part that concerned many. If he is limping 24 hours later, something must be wrong. Those worrying may have never tried to walk with an ice bag taped to your knee. In a lot of ways it forces walking to occur without bending the knee. Most if not all would have a noticeable limp with an ice pack on their knee.
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Warriors fans can likely breath a sigh of relief and Cavs fans can stop hoping. Thompson is likely sore and tired from such a long, grueling taxing time on his body. He will likely be fine tonight but sore joints and general fatigue could be setting in for a player who has been taxed greatly since last season.
Interestingly enough Steph Curry has also played over 100 games since the end of last season while LeBron didn’t play in FIBA and took a few weeks off during the year. Could play a big role in the last few games of the season.
Do you think Klay Thompson will be ready for Game 3 of the NBA Finals tonight?