The Golden State Warriors took on the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, and Klay Thompson has absolutely stolen the show through one half of action.
Thompson is always a candidate to get insanely hot early in any game, and he did just that. He started with 18 first-quarter points while only missing two shots from the field.
He continued his impressive play in the second quarter, ultimately finishing the first half with 33 points while making eight three-pointers.
Are you kidding, Klay?? pic.twitter.com/EcKquMY5V4
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 14, 2023
This ridiculous performance from Klay Thompson marks his third career half with 30 points and eight three-pointers. This ties him with Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard for the most games meeting that criteria over the last 25 seasons.
Klay Thompson has his 3rd career half with 30 points and 8 3-pointers, tying Damian Lillard for the most by any player over the last 25 seasons. pic.twitter.com/jvHCGmR5tv
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 14, 2023
This is also the fifth time that Thompson has made eight threes in a half, which is the most by any player since the 1996-97 season.
Klay Thompson had 8 threes in the first half tonight.
It's the 5th time in his career that Klay has had at least 8 threes in a half, the most by any player since at least 1996-97.#NBA | #DubNation pic.twitter.com/stM235e5yi
— Basketball Reference (@bball_ref) March 14, 2023
Many around the NBA world took notice of this insane performance and praised Thompson for his great play on Monday night.
Warriors are dominating the Suns 75-58 at halftime. They're shooting 65.1% from the field, 14-21 from 3-point range.
Klay Thompson masterclass so far: 33 points with eight 3-pointers. Stephen Curry has 15 points.
— C.J. Holmes 🚀 (@CjHolmes22) March 14, 2023
KLAY THOMPSON. 33 AT HALF pic.twitter.com/1RHoqg6RPV
— buckets (@buckets) March 14, 2023
Very few NBA players will ever be able to do in their career what Klay Thompson just did in a half of basketball. The fact that he is doing it after missing 900 plus days and people are not surprised speaks volumes about his recovery and his play this year. #DubNation
— Dr. Nirav Pandya, M.D. (@DrNiravPandya) March 14, 2023
Klay Thompson outwardly fired up for this matchup against Devin Booker and the Suns. Eighteen first quarter points. Bobbing and chatting after every make. Gave a too small sign after post score over Okogie. Said something to Phoenix bench after getting subbed out. GSW up 29-12.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 14, 2023
I love seeing Klay Thompson playing at this level .. I don’t think it’s a coincidence:
Warriors went to the NBA Finals 5 times in a row
.. Klay gets hurt for 2 seasons ..
They miss the playoffs both timesKlay comes back. They win the NBA Championship.
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) March 14, 2023
After winning the NBA Championship last season, the Warriors as a whole got off to an incredibly slow start to the year. However, they have been able to turn things around in a big way as of late. Much of that is thanks to a huge resurgence from Thompson this year.
Thompson famously missed both the 2019-20 and the 2020-21 seasons due to Achilles and ACL injuries. He has finally started to get back into form this season, and this performance is another indication that he is still a huge threat to Golden State.
