NBA Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson Proving Golden State Warriors Made Correct Decision

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Klay Thompson Warriors

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The rumor mill was rampant this offseason about the Golden State Warriors, and their pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love. It appeared that Golden State was the frontrunner to land Love, because they were supposedly willing to part with shooting guard Klay Thompson.

However, some in the Warriors organization were reluctant to part with Thompson, who was a first round pick by Golden State in 2011. The Warriors made the right decision in keeping Thompson and have been rewarded with the best season of Thompson’s career thus far.

Coming into Friday night’s game against Love and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thompson was averaging a career-high 21.6 points per game and 3.1 assists per game. He is also shooting the ball at a career clip of 46.3 percent from the floor, including 44 percent from three-point range. His offensive ascendence is part of the reason why the Warriors are leading the league with 109.2 points per game.

Thompson’s improved offensive game was on full display on Friday night, as he was lights out again in leading the Warriors with 24 points on eight-of-17 shooting as the Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 112-94. The win was the sixth straight for Golden State and improved their league-leading record to 29-5, including 16-1 at home this season.

Thompson’s rise this season should see him named to his first Western Conference All-Star team, as he is 12th in the NBA in scoring and forms the most potent backcourt duo in the league. Thompson and Stephen Curry are lethal shooters, who average a combined 44.5 points per game and 11.1 assists.

Meanwhile, Love has struggled to adjust to life with the Cavs. Love is still a solid contributor for Cleveland, but he is now the third option behind Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. Love is averaging a respectable 17.7 points and 10.4 rebounds, but both of those figures are his lowest totals since his second season in the NBA in 2009-2010.

By keeping Thompson in the fold, the Warriors were able to build upon their foundation they’ve established the past couple of seasons. Golden State has reached the playoffs each of the past two seasons, but Thompson’s improvement has taken the Warriors to the top of the conference and the league. With Thompson and Curry paving the way, the Warriors are clearly one of the favorites to win the NBA title come June.

As the old saying goes, sometimes the best trades are the ones you never make, and Golden State is sure glad they decided to hold on to Thompson.

Patrick Leiva is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleiva4 and add him to your network on Google.

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