The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA over the past decade, with a large part of their success attributed to the shooting prowess of Klay Thompson. However, the past few games have been a different story for the Warriors' sharpshooter. Despite his reputation as a top-notch marksman, Thompson's shooting woes have continued, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering what's behind this slump.
In his last 10 games, Thompson's shooting percentages have taken a significant hit. He's averaging just 35.4% from the field and 30.6% from three-point range, numbers that are well below his career averages of 46.7% and 41.9%, respectively. These struggles have translated to the Warriors' overall performance, as they've gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, including some tough losses to teams they should be beating.
So, what's behind Thompson's shooting slump? One possible explanation is the lingering effects of his ACL injury, which he suffered in the 2019 NBA Finals. Although he's had time to recover, it's possible that he's still working his way back to full strength and confidence. Another factor could be the increased attention he's receiving from opposing defenses, who are now more aware of his shooting abilities and are making a concerted effort to shut him down.
Shooting Struggles: A Deeper Dive
To get a better understanding of Thompson's shooting struggles, let's take a closer look at his numbers. In his last 10 games, he's averaged 18.5 points per game, which is below his season average of 21.5. He's also attempted an average of 17.3 field goal attempts per game, which is slightly above his season average of 16.4. However, his shooting percentages have taken a significant hit, as mentioned earlier.
One area where Thompson has struggled is from mid-range. He's shooting just 23.1% from 10-19 feet, which is well below his season average of 38.1%. He's also struggled from the post, shooting just 30.8% from 3-9 feet. These numbers suggest that Thompson is having trouble finding his rhythm and getting into a groove.
Breaking Down Thompson's Shot Chart
To get a better understanding of Thompson's shooting struggles, let's take a look at his shot chart. According to data from the NBA's SportVU tracking system, Thompson has taken a total of 173 shots in his last 10 games. Of those, 63 have been from beyond the three-point line, where he's shooting just 29.4%. He's also taken 44 shots from mid-range, where he's shooting just 22.7%.
One area where Thompson has found some success is from the corners. He's taken 21 shots from the corners, where he's shooting 42.9%. This suggests that Thompson is still a threat from the corners, and teams may need to adjust their defensive strategy to account for this.
What's Next for Thompson and the Warriors?
As the Warriors look to get back on track, they'll need Thompson to break out of his shooting slump. One possible solution is to get him more involved in the offense, particularly in the post. According to data from the NBA's SportVU tracking system, Thompson has taken just 14 shots from the post in his last 10 games, which is below his season average.
Another solution is to get Thompson more open looks from beyond the three-point line. According to data from the NBA's SportVU tracking system, Thompson has taken just 23 open three-point shots in his last 10 games, which is below his season average. By getting him more open looks, the Warriors may be able to help Thompson break out of his shooting slump.
Warriors' Outlook: Can They Still Win Without Thompson's Shooting?
Despite Thompson's shooting woes, the Warriors are still a top-notch team. They have a deep roster and a talented core of players, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala. However, without Thompson's shooting, they may struggle to keep up with the top teams in the Western Conference.
One possible solution is to rely more heavily on Curry, who has been on a tear recently. In his last 10 games, Curry has averaged 29.5 points per game, including a 50-point performance against the Phoenix Suns. By relying more heavily on Curry, the Warriors may be able to overcome Thompson's shooting slump and still win games.
Conclusion: What's Next for Klay Thompson?
As the Warriors look to get back on track, Klay Thompson's shooting woes will be a major storyline to watch. Can he break out of his slump and return to form? Or will he continue to struggle, and how will this affect the Warriors' chances of winning? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Thompson is a key part of the Warriors' offense, and they'll need him to be at his best if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.
We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on Klay Thompson's shooting woes and how you think the Warriors can overcome them. Leave a comment below, and let's get the conversation started!
What's behind Klay Thompson's shooting slump?
+There are several possible explanations for Klay Thompson's shooting slump, including the lingering effects of his ACL injury and the increased attention he's receiving from opposing defenses.
Can the Warriors still win without Thompson's shooting?
+Yes, the Warriors have a deep roster and a talented core of players, including Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andre Iguodala. However, without Thompson's shooting, they may struggle to keep up with the top teams in the Western Conference.
What's next for Klay Thompson and the Warriors?
+The Warriors will need Thompson to break out of his shooting slump if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. One possible solution is to get him more involved in the offense, particularly in the post.