Klay Thompson has slowly developed into the iron man of the Golden State Warriors, and he showed just why in Game 1 after making a start once again, despite sporting a pretty nasty sprained ankle from Game 6 of their first-round series against the L.A. Clippers.
Teammate Andre Iguodala has noticed his toughness throughout the course of their time together.
The lauded marksman has yet to play less than 73 games in any season after his rookie year, making 78 appearances this season, with most absences due to rest.
Thompson made his 109th consecutive playoff start on Sunday, playing a total of 41 minutes, despite hurting his ankle less than 48 hours prior.
“He don’t miss no f***ing games,” said Iguodala, shaking his head with a look of bewilderment on his face, according to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. “I mean, s**t. … That’s tough.”
Thompson noted “I'll be fine” after suffering the injury on Friday, but head coach Steve Kerr wouldn't commit to his word, listing him and backcourt mate Stephen Curry as “questionable” with ankle injuries.
However, Iguodala, much like he trusted him during last year's run against the Houston Rockets, did so again before this series got started.
“Whenever you evaluate a basketball player,” Iguodala said, diving into his explanation about what makes Thompson so tough, “ask yourself: ‘Why does he play?’ It will tell you a lot about a player. Does he play for the money? For the fame? For the attention? Because he likes it? Because he loves it?
“Klay just loves hooping. ‘What else I’mma do?’ That’s what he probably thinks. ‘Man, I don’t want to sit out there watching. That s**t’s boring.’ You know how he is. So it just builds that in your DNA. That’s who he is.”
Thompson didn't have a huge outing, but his presence during his 41 minutes along with the threat of his shooting ability were just as integral to the Warriors' success to start off the series.
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