Klay Thompson: 'Putting on a jersey hits so much harder than it did back in the day' / News - Basketnews.com

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Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson heads into the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celticsby admitting that he is happy to have this opportunity.

Free throws this season

77%15,9Points made:15,9Accuracy:76,7%Place in standings:25Record max:32Record min:6Most made FTs:Stephen CurryTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

Thompson missed over two seasons due to his torn Achilles tendon in Game 6 of the 2019 Finals. The 5-time All-Star shooting guard returned from rehab this January.

When he was asked to reflect on his career so far and the things he went through, Thompson noted how fast things could change.

"I think I am definitely more reflective now, just because. I mean, it can be taken away from you just like that [snaps his fingers]. One misstep or one bad jump and…"

Thompson says that now he's more appreciative of having this opportunity.

"You know, back in the day, it felt like I just needed to work more, you were programmed to be more robotic and just do your daily routines, but now I just try to find joy in every routine I do."

"Driving to the arena, being on the training table, it is such an awesome job to be an NBA player," Thompson continued. "I knew that before, but going through surgeries and rehabs, putting on a jersey just hits so much harder than it did back in the day."

After the injury, Thompson already has played 48 games this season, 32 in the regular season and 16 in the playoffs.

He also put some of his vintage-like performances after the injury, including 41 points against New Orleans Pelicans and a 30-point performance in Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies to close out the series.

Klay Thompson and The Golden State Warriors start the 2022 NBA Finals vs the Boston Celtics on an upcoming night in San Francisco.

Klay Thompson highlights

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