The Golden State Warriors’ 120-94 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers was a bore. Against the shorthanded Warriors, the Lakers showed why they are NBA Finals favorites. Golden State, meanwhile, showed why they are currently the NBA’s worst defense.
The bright spot in the Warriors’ blowout defeat came in the fourth quarter when a familiar face was pulled aside for an interview. Klay Thompson joined ESPN’s Jorge Sedano to discuss how he’s handling watching the Warriors from the sideline during his ACL rehab.
Thompson spoke about how “tedious” the rehab process has been, but his tune changed when he talked about the Warriors rookies, stating:
I’ve enjoyed watching these young guys develop, that’s for sure. Eric Paschall and Jordan Poole, their first year, I’m liking what I’m seeing because they have tremendous potential.
In a down year, Paschall has been one of the Warriors’ best players. He had the highlight of the night: finishing a layup on LeBron James. The rookie finished with 15 points in 32 minutes.
Poole has struggled at times, but his confidence in his shooting provides hope. The rookie knocked down three triples against the Lakers, and both he and Paschall have shown glimpses of potential. With the Warriors not expecting to compete for a playoff berth, there will be more opportunities for Paschall and Poole to display their skills.
“These guys are going to foundational pieces for years to come,” Thompson said.
That’s high praise from one of the league’s best players. Thompson’s willingness to compliment the young guys during a rough game demonstrates his leadership, as well as his hopes for the future.
Klay gives us an update on his rehab + says he likes what he's seeing on the floor pic.twitter.com/gBWcpjpDH8
— Chris Montano (@gswchris) November 14, 2019
Although both Stephen Curry and Thompson are injured, their fingerprints are still all over this roster. Having future Hall of Famers like Thompson in their corner should boost the rookies.
Before Thompson’s interview with Sedano ended, he provided a glass-half-full outlook for the rest of the Warriors’ season, stating:
We’re out here missing five key guys. It’s a struggle but we’ll persevere.
At 2-10, Golden State can only hope things do, in fact improve, and hopefully, before next season.