Klay on changing role after late benching: 'It's hard'
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson opened up after being benched in the fourth quarter for the second time in less than a week.
"I feel great physically. Mentally, probably a little different story," Thompson told reporters after the 109-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, according to Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Thompson had eight points on 4-of-9 shooting in 29 minutes. The veteran was pulled at the seven-minute mark of the fourth quarter in favor of youngster Moses Moody.
"Go from, you know, one of the best players - it's hard for anybody, I'll be honest with you," Thompson said when asked about his changing role.
The 33-year-old says he's "accepted" his new role with the team. "I'm not going to be mad. I'm happy for these young guys, honestly," Thompson said.
Despite missing forward Andrew Wiggins due to an ankle injury, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr opted to play rookies Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos to close the match. Thompson was also benched late in Golden State's Friday win against the Memphis Grizzlies.
"If a group's playing well, you stay with that group. That is the general rule," Kerr said postgame, per Slater.
He continued: "It's never easy for any player getting older. ... Klay is going to help us win plenty of games going forward."
Thompson is having his worst statistical season in a decade, averaging 17.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 45 games for the Warriors. The veteran's 37.1% 3-point percentage is also the lowest number of his illustrious career.
Thompson, who averaged 20 points per game in the Warriors' 2021-22 title campaign, has dealt with significant injuries over his career. The 13-year veteran missed two whole seasons after tearing his ACL in the 2019 Finals before tearing his Achilles tendon a year later.
This season has been a struggle for Golden State. The Warriors are outside of the playoff picture with a 22-25 record.
Thompson and the Warriors will head to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Wednesday night.