Golden State Warriors: 5 Takeaways From 1st Round Series

2. Thompson Can Be ‘The Guy’

Like Draymond Green, Klay Thompson has had to step up his offensive production in the wake of Curry’s injury. Green is the more well-rounded player, averaging 13.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game in the first round, but Thompson didn’t hesitate to fill the role of human flamethrower as the Dubs’ No. 1 option on offense.

In Game 2, the Warriors’ first full game without Curry, Thompson dropped 34 points and shut down Harden on the other end. In Game 4, after Curry was sent to the locker room after a demoralizing slip, Thompson helped Green rally the troops, finishing with seven of the Warriors’ playoff-record 21 three-pointers in the rout.

In Wednesday’s closeout Game 5, Thompson was remarkable once again, dropping 27 points in 29 minutes. He went 10-for-14 from the field and nailed seven of his 11 three-point attempts. Who better to replace the NBA’s all-time leader in single season made three-pointers than the guy who’s third on that list?

Until Curry returns, Thompson is the No. 1 option on the league’s top regular season offense. Neither the Blazers nor this shorthanded versions of the Clippers are good defensive teams, which means that Thompson has to keep bringing the heat from three-point range for the Warriors to buy Curry enough time.

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