Golden State Warriors: Klay Thompson injury history and updates

How often has Warriors guard Klay Thompson been injured in his NBA career?

Warriors star Klay Thompson has been walking a long and twisty injury road for a while now.

Thompson established himself as one of the best in the game while helping Golden State win three NBA championships in five straight NBA Finals appearances. However, it’s been more than two years since the title-winner has played in a professional game.

Is this just the norm for Thompson? Let’s take a look at his injury record throughout his career…

Klay Thompson injury history

Thompson was drafted No. 11 overall by the Warriors in 2011. While he missed no time in his first two seasons of action, he hasn’t completed a full season of action since 2013.

Klay Thompson right Achilles tear, November 2020

Thompson tore his right Achilles tendon during a pickup basketball game in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2020. The devastating injury caused him to miss the entirety of the 2020-21 season, his second missed campaign in a row.

Klay Thompson left ACL tear, 2019 NBA Finals

The Warriors 2019 NBA Finals appearance will be remembered for injury woes. One game after Kevin Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon, Thompson suffered a torn ACL during Game 5 against the Raptors.

The surgery to repair the torn ligament in his left knee was performed on Jul. 2. It kept him out for the 2019-20 season, including the delayed postseason.

Klay Thompson hamstring strain, 2019 NBA Finals

Before the ACL, Thompson had already been hampered by injury. In Game 2 of the Finals, Thomspon strained his hamstring. He had to sit out Game 3 as a result.

Klay Thompson right ankle sprain, 2019 NBA Playoffs Opening Round

Thompson suffered an ankle sprain as Golden State closed out the Clippers in Game 6. His status for Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals was in question, but he played through the injury.

Klay Thompson knee soreness, 2019

Thompson sat out three games during the 2019 regular season because of knee soreness. That included two games in March after a hard fall against Orlando. He was held out of the penultimate game of the season in April against the Pelicans as well.

Klay Thompson illness, January 2019

An illness kept Thompson from playing against the 76ers on Jan. 31.

Klay Thompson left ankle sprain, October 2018

Thompson had a mild ankle sprain on Oct. 22 and had to leave a game against the Suns, but he didn’t miss any additional time.

Klay Thompson left high ankle sprain, 2018 NBA Finals

Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Cavaliers was nearly a disaster for Thompson when J.R. Smith crashed into his leg.

The Warriors star was diagnosed with a “left lateral leg contusion” initially and he played on. After the game, it was revealed he also suffered a high ankle sprain. He still went on to play in the remaining three contests of the series.

Klay Thompson left knee strain, 2018 Western Conference Finals

Thompson was also forced to play through injury in the Western Conference Finals against the Rockets. He had to leave Game 4 with a knee strain. However, he returned to the floor before the end and didn’t miss any more time.

Klay Thompson right thumb fracture, March 2018

Thompson has played through a lot of lower-body injuries. He’s also played through a fractured thumb, however briefly.

He suffered the injury in the second quarter on Mar. 11 and finished the game against the Timberwolves. He missed the next eight games.

Klay Thompson right heel soreness, February 2017

Thompson missed a game against the Nuggets with heel soreness.

Klay Thompson ankle sprain, December 2015

A turned ankle caused Thompson to sit out against the Celtics.

Klay Thompson back tightness, November 2015

Thompson sat out a game against the Nets after experiencing back soreness during a morning shootaround.

Klay Thompson right ankle sprain, March 2015

After suffering a sprained ankle against the Lakers, Thompson missed three games.