A familiar face was missing from the Warriors’ starting lineup Thursday.
Klay Thompson, 34, began the game on the bench for Golden State, snapping his stretch of 699 appearances as a starter. Thompson, who has played his entire career with the Warriors, had not served as a reserve since his rookie season in 2011-12.
Rookie guard Brandin Podziemski got the nod Thursday night in Thompson’s place. The 20-year-old joined Stephen Curry in the backcourt for the Warriors’ clash with the 11th-seeded Jazz.
Podziemski has impressed in limited minutes for head coach Steve Kerr’s squad, averaging 9.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists. And he strung together perhaps the best performance of his young career in the Dubs’ last game, pouring in 25 points in a loss to the Clippers. He’ll have quite the void to fill, though, as he’ll be filling in for a five-time All-Star.
Here’s what you need to know about Kerr’s decision to move Thompson to the bench, as well as where it leaves the star and the Warriors going forward.
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Why did the Warriors bench Klay Thompson?
Thompson hasn’t been able to find his form during the 2023-24 season. He’s averaging 17.0 points per game so far, but he’s only hitting 41.0% of his shots and 36.5% of his 3-point attempts — down from his 45.3% and 41.3% career averages.
Thompson’s struggles came to a head in Golden State’s last game, a 130-125 loss to Los Angeles. Thompson toiled, going just 4-of-14 from the floor. And as the game neared its conclusion, he committed a puzzling intentional foul on Clippers guard Russell Westbrook — one which made Kerr was publicly and visibly upset.
“We didn’t want a foul,” Kerr said. “We’re down 3 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.”
Podz hits the huge three and Klay commits a foul lol pic.twitter.com/M0Hi27nl0u
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) February 15, 2024
Thompson’s night presented a stark contrast to Podziemski’s glittering showcase. The comparison spotlighted Thompson’s struggles, which have only been exacerbated as the rigors of age and injury sap Thompson’s athleticism.
Thursday’s game represents the first time a healthy Thompson has been left out of the starting lineup since March 11, 2012, in his rookie season for Golden State.
Podziemski’s insertion into the starting unit likely represents Kerr attempting to coax more out of his young core. For a side desperate for continuity — the Dubs currently sit in 10th place in the West — that’s an essential quality.
Thompson, to his credit, acknowledged his frustration with his waning play.
“To go from one of the best players…It’s hard for anybody,” Thompson said after being benched at the end of Golden State’s Feb. 5 win over Brooklyn.
“I’ve accepted it,” Thompson added. “You can be mad, but I’m not gonna be mad. I’m happy for these young guys, obviously.”
