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Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson hasn't had the best start this season and his frustration was noticeable after getting ejected against the Phoenix Suns. In an interview, the sharpshooter reflected on his current situation and why he's been frustrated.
It's not easy for Klay Thompson as he's still struggling to find his stroke. He expressed his frustrations and realizations to reporters:
"It's so nice. Especially, when you feel like you're the reason the team goes through a slump. So, it's nice to get that out the way early. ... That really helps me puts things into perspective. I’m such perfectionist, I wanna be great right now."
Thompson added:
"I realized, man, it's a long season and I'd rather peak come playoff time versus early November."
The first week of the season hasn't been easy for some players. One of the players was Klay Thompson. Prior to the Warriors' game against the Miami Heat, the two-way guard averaged 11 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting for 35% from the field and 29% from 3.
All his frustrations with the slow start came when the Warriors played against the Phoenix Suns. He started trash-talking All-Star guard Devin Booker. He later got his first career ejection.
He was able to bounce back from it when the Warriors played the Heat. He scored 19 points and shot a decent 35% from downtown. During the game, he showed flashes of his old self and his play on the court was one of the reasons for their win.
Klay Thompson receiving criticism from Charles Barkley
Everyone has their opinion about a certain situation or person. As part of the NBA media, legend Charles Barkley has never been afraid to voice out whatever comes to mind. This time around, he shared his thoughts on Klay's recent slump that led to his first career ejection.
On the show "Inside the NBA," Barkley commented on the Warriors' age. He mentioned two players that have shown significant decline in their production: Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.
"As much as I love Klay, he's slipping. Same thing with Draymond, they're not the same," Barkley said.
"There was a time when Klay Thompson was the best two-way guard in the NBA and he's not the same guy."
When the four-time champion heard Chuck's comments about him, he couldn't help but convey his disappointment during a post-game interview.
"It hurts when someone like Charles Barkley, with the platform he has, says you're not the same player prior to the injuries you have.
"I tore my ACL and Achilles in consecutive years and still helped the team win a championship. It hurt hearing that because I put so much freaking effort to get back to this point."
Thompson continued:
"To hear someone say 'Oh, he's not the same player as he was prior to the injuries.' Like, duh. Who goes through that and comes back. ... I don't know, it just hurt my heart hearing that."
He may not be the same player as he once was, but he's still valuable to the team. Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors will play against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
