Klay Thompson‘s decision to intentionally foul Russell Westbrook with 39 seconds left in a game they were trailing by three points likely cost the Golden State Warriors a chance of victory. The Warriors likely wanted to defend that possession straight up, so they had a chance of getting a stop and attacking in transition.
When speaking to the media following the Warriors loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday, Steve Kerr admitted Thompson wasn’t supposed to foul in that situation. He agreed that Golden State needed to defend the action straight up.
“Yeah, we didn’t want a (foul),” Kerr said. “We’re down three with 38 seconds, so it’s an obvious defend and just play it out and get a rebound, and then it’s a one-possession game.”
Thompson has endured a difficult season. He’s been in and out of Kerr’s closing lineups, and it’s clear his contract situation is weighing on him. However, his mistake against the Clippers was certainly uncharacteristic. Everybody makes mistakes.
Kerr confirms the Warriors were in an "obvious" defend situation when Klay fouled Westbrook inside of a minute pic.twitter.com/4O09sadrd2
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024
Thompson, 34, is averaging 17 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 49 games so far. He’s shooting 41.5% from the field and 36.8% from 3-point range. Golden State will be back in action on Thursday when it faces the Utah Jazz.
Thompson will likely be out to erase the memory of his mistake on Wednesday, so it’s fair to expect a potential big performance from him, as he gets ready for the All-Star break.
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