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What Klay Thompson’s return means for the Golden State Warriors

By Elaine Blum

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 04: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 04, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 11: Jordan Poole #3 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after Wiggins made a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on May 11, 2021 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

How the Golden State Warriors have fared without Klay Thompson

Thompson’s absence has not seemed to be a big problem this season, though. The Golden State Warriors are currently the number one seed in the West, even without the second Splash Brother.

Especially defensively, the team has improved a lot despite Thompson’s inability to play. While Draymond Green is a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, Andrew Wiggins stepped in and took over as the Warriors’ prime wing defender, filling the position that was vacated by Thompson.

For most of the season, the starting lineup has been Curry, Green, Wiggins, Jordan Pool,e and Kevon Looney. Curry, Wiggins, and Poole all average double-digit scoring numbers, while Curry leads the team with an average of 27.2 points per game.

Meanwhile Green, who leads the team in both rebounds (7.9) and in assists (7.7), has been setting up many of his teammates’ shots. Poole, in particular, has improved his shooting by a large margin, as he took over Thompson’s offensive position.

In light of this, it is safe to say that the team does not have to rely on Klay Thompson anymore, but his return will still give the Warriors some extra strength, especially offensively, as they pursue another championship.

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