Klay Thompson recorded his highest-scoring night since returning from his two-year injury layoff on Saturday, finishing with 33 points on 12-of-22 shooting (5-of-9 from deep) in a 117-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers
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Thompson, who played just 30 minutes, erupted for 16 of his points in the final quarter as the Lakers were making a surge, hoping to upset the Warriors on their home floor.
Since coming back from injury - he had spent the last two years rehabbing from an ACL tear and Achilles tear - Thompson has shown glimpses of his old self, but the ability to do it on a nightly basis is still yet to come.
After the game, he said spoke about his 33 point performance.
“I’m not gonna lie, it felt really freaking good," he said. “I’m in better shape than I was a few weeks ago.
"After not feeling that feeling for a few years, don't take a 30-ball lightly in this league," Thompson added."I know that is always in me, but these things happen naturally. I can't -- if I can play to do that every fourth quarter, I would. It's not the game of ball. It's the flow of the game. Great things happen with time."
Klay on his season-high 33 points: “I’m not gonna lie, it felt really freaking good” pic.twitter.com/dmIaVvS3GK
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 13, 2022
This was the first time Thompson had reached 30 points in a game since Game 6 of the 2019 Finals when he reached hit the 30 point mark on free throws after injuring his knee. He exited the game shortly after.
It was also his first regular-season 30-point game since Mar. 13, 2019 at Houston.
Klay popped off for 33 tonight.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 13, 2022
ROLL THE TAPE 📽 pic.twitter.com/XLBVkN2YDV
Thompson didn't just get it done on the offensive end of the floor, however. He held the Lakers to 1-of-6 shooting when he was the primary defender.
"I always get excited to play the Lakers," Thompson said. "It's always awesome playing your hometown team."
