Klay Thompson getting BENCHED for first time since 2012 has fans in shock

Klay Thompson has played a huge role in the success that the Golden State Warriors have amassed over the years.

Klay Thompson getting BENCHED for first time since 2012 has fans in shock

Klay Thompson will start from the bench for the first time since 2012 (Via Golden State Warriors/X)

Klay Thompson was one of the best shooting guards the basketball world has witnessed in the past 10-12 years. His extremely high-level shooting and perimeter defense was one of the main contributing factors in the Golden State Warriors run of four championships. He was so good that other than his rookie year, he has always started a game for the Warriors. However, today it has come to a halt. Thompson will start from the bench for the first time in almost 10 years.

Head coach, Steve Kerr decided to promote rookie guard, Brandin Podziemski to the starting lineup at the expense of Thompson for tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz. This decision comes after a woeful performance from Thompson in their last game against the Los Angeles Clippers. His intentional foul in the closing seconds surely cost the Warriors a chance to fight for the win.

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Kerr and other Warriors players were visibly upset at Thompson’s foul. They were down 3 with 38 seconds left when Thompson intentionally fouled Russell Westbrook. As per Kerr, had the Clippers played out the possession, the Warriors could have had one more chance to beat them.

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Add to this 28.6 % shooting from the field and 11.1 % shooting from deep did not help Thompson’s case. On the other hand, Podziemski scored 25 points from 75% shooting from the field and being perfect from deep. Thompson’s decline in production has been the talking point throughout the season.

Fans witness Klay Thompson’s decline

Up until last year, no one could envision Klay Thompson ever losing his starting job. After all, his performances were key to the Warriors winning their fourth championship in six years. But this year, the situation is different. His decline in performances leading to his benching has sent fans into a state of shock.

Klay Thompson's benching has been viewed as a culmination of his decline
Klay Thompson’s benching has been viewed as a culmination of his decline (Via TheOddCentral/X)

When news trickled in that Steve Kerr would place rookie Podziemski in the starting lineup in place of Thompson, basketball fans could not believe that the day had finally come when their worst fears were confirmed. Following are the fan reactions:

https://twitter.com/feldmanshotdogs/status/1758312184256638987?s=20

Hopefully, this move rejuvenates Thompson to contribute from a different role. After all, when he gets hot, he really can’t be stopped. The Warriors need every bit of his production if they are to contend for another title.

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