Klay Thompson is one of the best shooters and defenders in the NBA. He is a five-time All-Star, a three-time champion, and a key member of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. He is also one of the most resilient and determined players in the league, as he has overcome two major injuries that kept him out of action for more than two years.
But what happened to Klay Thompson? How did he suffer those injuries, and how did he manage to come back stronger than ever? In this article, we will look at the details of Thompson’s injury history, his rehabilitation process, and his triumphant return to the court.
The First Injury: Torn ACL
Thompson’s first injury occurred on June 13, 2019, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Thompson was having a stellar performance, scoring 30 points in 32 minutes, when he landed awkwardly after being fouled by Danny Green on a fast-break dunk attempt. He immediately clutched his left knee and grimaced in pain.
Thompson was helped off the court, but he returned to shoot his free throws, knowing that if he didn’t, he would be ineligible to play for the rest of the game. He made both shots, then headed to the locker room again. He later came back to the bench, hoping to re-enter the game, but he was told by the team doctors that he had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee.
The Warriors lost the game and the series, and Thompson was ruled out for the entire 2019-20 season. He underwent surgery on July 2, 2019, and began his long and grueling recovery. He had to wear a brace, use crutches, and undergo physical therapy. He also had to deal with the emotional and mental challenges of being away from the game he loved.
Thompson said that the hardest part of his recovery was watching his team struggle without him and his fellow star Stephen Curry, who also missed most of the season with a broken hand. The Warriors finished with the worst record in the league, a stark contrast to their previous five seasons of dominance.
Thompson also said that he missed the camaraderie and competition of the NBA, and that he felt isolated and bored at times. He tried to stay positive and motivated, and he found solace in his hobbies, such as chess, photography, and boating. He also leaned on his family, friends, and teammates for support and encouragement.
The Second Injury: Torn Achilles
Thompson’s second injury occurred on November 18, 2020, just hours before the NBA draft. Thompson was working out in Southern California with other NBA players, when he felt a pop in his right leg. He knew something was wrong, and he feared the worst.
His fears were confirmed when an MRI revealed that he had torn his Achilles tendon in his right leg. This was another devastating blow for Thompson, who was just weeks away from making his comeback after missing more than a year with his ACL injury. It was also a huge setback for the Warriors, who were hoping to contend for another title with Thompson and Curry back in the lineup.
Thompson underwent surgery on November 25, 2020, and was ruled out for the entire 2020-21 season. He faced another long and difficult recovery, as Achilles injuries are notoriously hard to heal and often affect the player’s explosiveness and mobility. He had to wear a boot, use a scooter, and undergo physical therapy. He also had to cope with the frustration and sadness of being sidelined for another year.
Thompson said that the second injury was harder to accept than the first one, and that he felt angry and depressed at times. He said that he questioned his purpose and his future, and that he wondered if he would ever play at a high level again. He said that he needed professional help to deal with his mental health, and that he relied on his faith and his loved ones to keep him going.
Thompson also said that he was inspired by other players who had overcome Achilles injuries, such as Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Dominique Wilkins. He said that he studied their games and their recoveries, and that he learned from their experiences. He said that he was determined to prove the doubters wrong, and that he was confident in his ability to bounce back.
The Return: Back to All-Star Form
Thompson’s return finally happened on January 9, 2022, when he suited up for the Warriors against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his first NBA game in 941 days, and he received a warm and emotional welcome from the fans, the media, and his peers. He scored 17 points in 20 minutes, including a thunderous dunk that showed he still had his athleticism.
Thompson gradually regained his rhythm and his confidence, as he played more games and minutes. He averaged 20.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in the regular season, shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from the 3-point line. He helped the Warriors finish with the best record in the league, and he earned his sixth All-Star selection.
Thompson elevated his game in the playoffs, as he averaged 19.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 45.9 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from the 3-point line. He played a crucial role in the Warriors’ run to the NBA Finals, where they faced the Milwaukee Bucks. He hit several clutch shots and played stellar defense, especially against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thompson said that he was grateful and happy to be back on the court, and that he felt like he had never left. He said that he was proud of his comeback, and that he felt like he was playing at an All-Star level again. He said that he was enjoying the game more than ever, and that he was hungry for another championship.
The Conclusion: A Story of Resilience and Redemption
Klay Thompson’s story is one of resilience and redemption. He overcame two of the most serious injuries in basketball, and he returned to his elite form. He defied the odds and the critics, and he proved that he is still one of the best players in the world. He inspired millions of fans and fellow athletes, and he showed that nothing is impossible with hard work and perseverance.
Thompson is not only a great shooter and defender, but also a great leader and teammate. He is a loyal and humble warrior, who always puts the team first and plays with joy and passion. He is a fan favorite and a role model, who always carries himself with class and grace. He is a legend of the game, and a champion of life.