The Golden State Warriors face a must win at home on Thursday night after getting blown out by the San Antonio Spurs in game five on the road. Jarrett Jack played well and Harrison Barnes continued his outstanding postseason play. As for Stephen Curry the Spurs did a great job of playing physical with him and forcing him into difficult shots. When the game got out of hand Mark Jackson wisely put him on the bench to make sure he didn’t overdo it on his injured left ankle.
Even more concerning has been the total disappearance of Klay Thompson who since his 34 point performance in game two, has scored a total of 31 points in the last three games and has shot poorly going 14-41 from the field and what makes it surprising is that he’s only attempted seven threes. In the first two games of the series he scored 53 points.
He has played solid defensive when defending Tony Parker, though he’s gotten into the habit of picking up ticky-tack fouls and needs to make a more concerted effort to rebound the basketball. If the Warriors are to at least get to a game seven, Thompson has to become more aggressive offensively. Meaning taking a page out of what Barnes is doing, which is hitting the open threes and posting up Parker or Danny Green.
Expect a better performance from Thompson in game six and for him to score at least 15.