Klay Thompson After Lakers: “That Thing Flicks Off So Easy”

The Golden State Warriors defeated Los Angeles Lakers on the road last night, smashing their way through the Staples Center, 130-111. Nothing ordinary some might say, but Klay Thompson’s performance made this night in LA a memorable one.

Golden State’s forward made 10 straight threes, setting an NBA record. He became the player with most consecutive three-point shots made to start a game.

“When you got the hot hand, you’re just looking for that little, little ounce of space, because all you need is an inch or two and that thing is just flicks off so easy” Thomspon described how he managed to shoot like that when asked about it after the game.

He was playing the game against the Lakers in front of his family, among others, his father Mychal Thompson, a former Lakers player who won two titles with Magic Johnson and Kareem. That was a bit inspirational to him, which is why he scored 44 points, shredding the hosts in the third quarter, when he had only one miss from the field.

His shooting stats were like this – 17 of 20 from the field, 10 of 11 for three, without a single free throw becoming the first player since the appearing of the shot clock, who had 40 points along with 85% from the field.

All that in just 27 minutes on the court.

Klay Thompson's 26 mins of action tonight:

44 PTS
10-11 3PM
17-20 FGM
W#DubNation pic.twitter.com/vLr98Tu7Zk

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2019

There was no way for anyone from the Lakers to stop him.

“We had two, three guys flying at him,” Luke Walton said at a press conference, admitting that his team was helpless against one of the original “Splash Brothers.”

Even though he coached him for quite some time, and knows his weak spots, Walton did not have the strategy to stop Thompson.

Now Klay didn’t say anything about his father being displeased because of son’s rampage over his former team, but did mention that the 63-year old would definitely have some other grudges.

“He’ll probably just tell me, `Good job, should have had 50. Should have gone for 50,” the younger Thompson said. “It’s never good enough for your parents.”

This is the second time this season for Thompson to set an NBA record involving three-point shooting. The first time was against the Bulls in late October, when he dropped 14 hits from the deep scoring 52 points.

For coach Steve Kerr Klay’s outbursts are something usual, but this one was special because of the efficiency he had.

“I don’t think the league has seen that very often. Has anybody ever gone 17 of 20, and 10 of 11 from three? Not in that combination.” Kerr told at the post-match media session.

Besides the record, Klay had another landmark set in this game. He surpassed Steve Nash and LeBron James on the all-time three-points made list, taking the 19th position. Having in mind his shooting abilities, and the age, Thompson will definitely enter the top 10 of all times. At the moment he has 1,694 hits, and the 10th placed Joe Johnson 1,978.

"When you got the hot hand, you're just looking for that ounce of space. All you need is an inch or two."@KlayThompson spoke with @KristenLedlow after his historic performance! pic.twitter.com/hgXEAEw0KS

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2019

This was the 8th straight win for the champions, who are getting in the mood for the finish of the season. When the All-Star break finishes, Warriors will have a challenging task of preserving their top spot of the Western Conference with Nuggets, Rockets, Thunder and all other challengers aiming to dethrone them.

It is good for the team that Thompson found his game at this part of the season, allowing for Curry and Kevin Durant to catch a break in some moments. These guys will now have the additional help in DeMarcus Cousins who came back after his long absence because of a knee injury.

Golden State has thee more road games before going back to Oracle Arena. The first one is in DC against the Wizards this Thursday. After that, they head for Boston and Indianapolis.