Fansided

5 reasons the Golden State Warriors can win 2022 NBA Championship

By Rucker Haringey

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talks with each other against Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 20: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors talks with each other against Indiana Pacers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Golden State Warriors predictions, Klay Thompson
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 20: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

4. Klay Thompson can still stretch the floor

Thompson’s ability to effectively return from injury was a big variable for the Warriors coming into this season. Now that projects to have 30+ regular-season games under his belt heading into the playoffs it’s safe for Golden State to rely on him heavily in the playoffs.

The big question remains where or not Kerr and the team’s coaching staff feel comfortable scaling up Thompson’s minutes in the postseason. They’ve held his average minutes to 28.7 in the regular season to date. It’s safe to think the Warriors will push the veteran wing into the low 30s once the playoffs arrive.

The good news is that Thompson is still a high-level sniper when he’s out on the wing. His defense may have slipped a notch or two, but he’s still shooting the ball well from behind the three-point arc. His ability to space the floor on the wing is crucial for the effectiveness of Kerr’s offensive system.

It’s important to remember that Golden State doesn’t need Thompson to be a primary creator. They’re happy for him to be a secondary or even tertiary option in the playoffs. He profiles as a very important ingredient for Kerr’s postseason puzzle.

Home/Golden State Warriors