After enduring two catastrophic injuries that forced him to miss two full seasons, basketball superstar Klay Thompson made an epic comeback this season. With only 17 games left in the regular season and playoff hopes on the line, Thompson set a new career-high by hitting 278 three-point shots, putting him at the top of the league’s current leaderboard.
A miraculous recovery
Thompson missed the entire 201920 and 2020-21 seasons with a torn ACL and Achilles tendon. The Warriors’ hopes for success seemed bleak without their star shooter. However, Thompson’s resilience set him apart as he returned to the court after 31 months and won his fourth NBA championship.
Although his shooting percentage was unstable after his return to the game, Thompson worked hard to regain his previous form. He is now averaging 21.6 points per game while playing for an average of 33.1 minutes each night. Moreover, Thompson has shot better than 40 percent beyond the arc in three straight months, including four of the six months this season.
Setting a new record
Thompson’s impressive statistics speak for themselves. With only 65 games played, he has managed to make a staggering 278 threepointers in total. That is one more than his previous career-high of 276 which he set seven seasons ago in 2015-16. This achievement saw him being recognized as one of the best shooters in NBA history.
Steve Kerr, coach of Golden State Warriors, praised Thompson’s diligence this season, emphasizing that he had taken accountability for improving himself every day during his time away from basketball.
Thompson’s fellow Splash Brother Steph Curry also magnified his friend’s incredible work ethic, highlighting how hard he had worked to return from injury and bring back the team’s winning spirit.
A threat returns
With Curry and Thompson’s healthy ‘Splash’ performance, the Warriors are a threat to any team. Additionally, they have surpassed 250 shots from beyond the arc in a season for the third time, marking an unprecedented milestone in NBA history. Their presence has already contributed significantly to saving the team’s season and is now aiming to secure a direct spot in the playoffs without having to play in the play-in games.
As Thompson looks back on his journey, he hopes that he can serve as an inspiration to others who have faced adversity. He wants others to know that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Thompson’s career-high record of 278 threepointers this season reflects his determination and resilience after consecutive injuries. This achievement undoubtedly solidifies his status as one of the best players in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors’ performance will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with, making them strong contenders for this year’s championship series.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
