Less than two weeks ago, Klay Thompson played his first game off the bench since his rookie season and thrived, scoring a season-high 35 points, including an 18-point third quarter. Thompson has continued to produce, leading the second unit with multiple double-digit scoring quarters since (16-point first quarter vs. Denver on Sunday, 13-point third quarter vs. Washington on Tuesday). He has eclipsed 20 points and made at least five 3-pointers in three of the last five games.
Klay Thompson nails it from behind the arc
"It's been a pretty seamless transition," Thompson told NBC Sports Bay Area, reflecting on his re-alignment to the second unit after Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards. "It does have its benefits as far as letting the game settle, seeing the floor before you're out there, it's relaxing."
Thompson scored 25 points and hit six 3-pointers in just 27 minutes, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and 6-for-11 from behind the arc. In the process, he passed Paul Arizin for the fifth most made field goals in franchise history.
The Splash Brother also got to share the second unit backcourt with another multi-time All-Star, Chris Paul, for the first time.
"CP is one of the greatest to ever see the floor," Thompson said. "His ability to read the game, especially offensively, is second to none."
Paul connected with Thompson on two of his four third-quarter triples in a pivotal stretch in which the Warriors outscored the Wizards by 21 points.
"We have a great chemistry out there, especially when I've got it going he's looking for me," Thompson said. "I look forward to having a great partnership the rest of the season."
Both all-time great players have embraced doing whatever it takes to help this team win. Thompson has even taken inspiration from another multi-time champion who greatly impacted team success as a sixth man.
"The first person that comes to my mind is Manu [Ginobli]," Thompson said. "The Spurs wouldn't be the franchise that they are without him."
Thompson takes pride in him and Paul being what he believes to be the best reserve backcourt in the league and the tandem plays to leverage that greatness to bring the Warriors to the heights they aspire to reach this season.