Since entering the league in 2011, Klay Thompson has made a name for himself as a knock down shooter and a scorer whom the Golden State Warriors can rely upon night in and night out. But in their Western Conference Finals series against the San Antonio Spurs, Thompson has been reminding everyone of his other specialty outside of the ability to score on three-pointers.
With Tony Parker out for the remainder of the playoffs, Patty Mills has been inserted into the team's starting lineup to fill the void left by the French international. He has responded by playing well in their previous series, where he averaged 12.2 points, on 40.9 percent from behind the three-point line, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. But against the Dubs, it has been a totally different story. Tasked to defend the 28-year-old Australian, Thompson has been able to limit Mills' production to 5.7 points, including 20.8 percent shooting from the field, 1.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists after three games.
Acting head coach Mike Brown had nothing but good words to say about Thompson's defense, and gave him a lot of credit for making it difficult for Mills to be a factor in the series. via Courtney Cronin of The Mercury News.
“We’re asking Klay to chase and dog a guy like that, (who) constantly moves. It takes a lot out of you on both ends of the floor to have that type of assignment, but Klay’s taken on the challenge and he’s doing a phenomenal job of it.”
Stephen Curry echoed Brown's comments and added that Thompson's footwork has made it possible for him to be an effective defender.
“When Klay’s been on him, he’s used his length well, used his footwork to stay attached to him and not give him any space, really, whether it’s coming off a pick-and-roll or coming off a down screen. Klay’s taken that responsibility well knowing he’s a huge X-factor for them scoring. He’ll want to do that again tomorrow in Game 4.”
Should the three-time All-Star shooting guard once again put the clamps on Mills in Game 4 on Monday, chances are the Warriors would keep their unblemished playoff record and sweep the Spurs.
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