Why Klay Thompson Is Warriors’ Go-To Guy

Now that the Warriors have really taken the initiative to make statements and win close games, they have put themselves in a better position to go deeper in the playoffs. Usually, they have a good lead on the other team, so that they don’t really need a go-to guy. Last year, in all the close games, the Warriors relied on Mr. Monta Ellis. Now, they don’t have an all-star closer who can take over the game whenever they want, or do they?

December 21, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Bobcats during the third quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Bobcats 115-100. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Some may argue that Stephen Curry, with his good free throw shooting, three point shooting, and ball handling, is the go-to guy. Some argue that David Lee, who’s having an all-star season, is a good shooter, driver, and passer. He can also make clutch free throws. I think that the main guy, however, is Klay Thompson, and his incredible shooting stroke.

If the Warriors let Klay Thompson get isolated, he can take any defender. At 6’7 he’s a really tall shooting guard, and will be able to shoot over most of the other SG’s in the game. Against the Kings, it was Klay Thompson twice. In the Heat game, they were looking for him, but he wasn’t open. When it comes down to it, I think that Mark Jackson shares the same belief that Klay Thompson should be they guy to go to down the stretch. He defense is also phenomenal.

Why It’s Klay:

1. Three Point Shooting: As many remember, many NBA player such as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant have compared Klay Thompson to Ray Allen. Klay is a dynamic shooter, knows how to drive to the basket, and can find the open man when he needs to. When he gets an open three point shot, he’s taking it. He’s really good at performing under pressure and silencing the crowds of other home teams, making them ooh and ahh!

2. Confidence: The second reason Klay Thompson is your go-to guy, is because of his unbreakable confidence. In the game against the Miami Heat, he took 9 three pointers in the half. After he missed one, he wouldn’t hesitate to take another, and another. He doesn’t care, and I mean that in the best way possible. This is why he sees many of his shots fall. In an overtime game again the Nuggets, he spaced out and hit a three pointer to give the Warriors a 5 point advantage. Klay’s confidence level helps the Warriors who can be mired in a shooting slump.

3. Size: At 6’7, Klay Thompson is one of the tallest SG in the league. If he can get an isolation, he will be able to shoot right over his defender. With his confidence level, you can trust him to take the right shots, make the right moves, and pass when needed. It’s not just about Klay’s scoring, but it is also about his ability to forsee a situation in which a teammate is in a better position to score than he is, a true-sign of player you want with the ball in his hands come crunch-time.