Klay Thompson was a surprise scratch for Friday’s Golden State Warriors at Charlotte Hornets game, joining Jonathan Kuminga on the bench. Thankfully, the Dubs didn’t miss a beat while he was away. Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody filled in for Thompson and Kuminga, helping the squad defeat perhaps the worst basketball team in the league 115-97. Even if the San Antonio Spurs are just as successful as Charlotte, Victor Wembanyama by himself undoubtedly poses a greater threat than his team’s record would indicate. Does Thompson have a game on Sunday against the Spurs?
Right knee tendinitis, the same condition that kept Thompson out of action in Charlotte, has him labeled as questionable to play in San Antonio. Following his team’s victory over the Hornets, Steve Kerr provided additional details about the events leading up to Thompson’s absence.
Thompson told Kerr that he felt it a little bit during the Orlando game, according to NBC Sports Bay Area. “He was expecting to be alright, but it kind of stiffened up on him during pregame warmups. Before the game, Rick [Celebrini] worked with him on the table and determined it would not be wise for him to play.
Kerr continued by confirming that Thompson’s status was “TBD” for the Spurs game.
The four-time champion played a key role in the Dubs’ win over Orlando despite feeling some discomfort in his knee, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting while also managing some key defensive stops down the stretch. Chris Paul started in Thompson’s place 48 hours later, with rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis once again starting for Kuminga next to Draymond Green in the frontcourt.