There was some doubt regarding Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson's availability for Game 1 of their second-round series matchup against the Houston Rockets. The five-time All-Star sustained a right ankle sprain in Game 6 of the Warriors' first-round battle against the Los Angeles Clippers, which led some to assume that Thompson would have to sit out their opener against the Rockets.
Thompson, however, was not one of these doubters, as it seems like the 29-year-old never really saw it as an option to not play in Game 1:
“I’ve never missed a playoff game,” he said, shrugging as he put on his watch, via Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. “I’m not starting now.”
True enough, Thompson did start Game 1 and was able to log 41 minutes in their 104-100 victory against the Rockets. However, he did appear to be somewhat limited by his injury, as the 6-foot-7 guard was uncharacteristically inefficient, going 5-of-13 from the floor and only 2-of-5 from distance en route to just 13 points. Thompson did log four rebounds, three assists, and a couple of steals, but he also turned the ball over three times.
Nonetheless, the Warriors were still able to come away with the win, thanks in large part to Kevin Durant's 35-point effort. Stephen Curry, who also had an ankle issue coming into Game 1, also shot poorly in this one, going 5-of-12 overall for 18 points.
Game 2 is slated for Tuesday, and the hope is Thompson will be able to completely shake off his injury as he looks for a bounce-back performance.
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