Golden State Warriors: 3 takeaways from win over New York Knicks

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors congratulate Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during a time out of their game against the New York Knicks at ORACLE Arena on January 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 08: Stephen Curry #30 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors congratulate Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during a time out of their game against the New York Knicks at ORACLE Arena on January 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Golden State Warriors
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images /

Klay Thompson is finding his groove

Klay Thompson is going to have a hard time finding a spot on this year’s Western Conference All-Star team. Perhaps more than any other year since his rise to stardom, the West is stacked. With as much talent as there is in the conference, the margin for error is minuscule and, unfortunately for Thompson, he hasn’t been able to get into a consistent rhythm.

He is currently having the worse 3-point shooting season of his career, only knocking down 35 percent of his long-range shots. Though he set an NBA record with 14 made 3-pointers on Oct. 29 in Chicago, Thompson just hasn’t been able to sink shots at the rate that we’re used to seeing from him.

To be fair to Thompson, the Warriors as a whole have spent most of the season just trudging along offensively. With injuries and inconsistent lineups, the team hasn’t found its rhythm for a large portion of the year.

A different-than-usual role paired with the idea of his impending free agency and Thompson just hasn’t been himself. It seems like he’s starting to turn it around though. Over his last six games, Thompson is averaging 25 points on 51 percent from the field and 45.8 percent from long range.

Compared to his previous six games. he looks like a completely changed player. Over the previous six-game stretch, Thompson was shooting 37 percent from the field and 19 percent from deep.

Thompson had 43 points on 18-29 shooting against the Knicks. He also knocked down seven of his 16 treys. Most importantly, his shot selection was significantly better than it has been. He didn’t force shots, only needing four dribbles to do all his damage.

In order for the Warriors to three-peat, they’re going to need Thompson to be at the top of his game. It looks like he’s returning to form.