Klay Thompson erupts for 35 points off the bench, leads Warriors to victory over Jazz

Klay Thompson has been open about his struggles in offense this season since he has not been producing as much in the Warriors’ previous championship runs.

Earlier today, against the Utah Jazz, Thompson and the Warriors might have found a better way to keep him effective on the roster.

Klay Thompson will come off the bench tonight vs. Jazz

First time since his rookie year in 2012. pic.twitter.com/iX7biyZr1i

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2024

For the first time since his rookie season in 2012, Thompson came off the bench in their 140-137 win over Salt Lake City, and scored a season-high 35 points on 13-of-22 shooting with zero turnovers and personal fouls.

Thompson also surpassed the 15,000-point mark in his career. He became the 153rd player in NBA history to do so and the sixth player in Warriors franchise history to reach the milestone, joining Stephen Curry, Wilt Chamberlain, Rick Barry, Paul Arizin, and Chris Mullin.

Congratulations to Klay Thompson for reaching a new career milestone 👏

📸 @warriors #RepublikaNgNBA #DubNation pic.twitter.com/obxicZ2Tux

— NBA Philippines (@NBA_Philippines) February 16, 2024

Coach Steve Kerr had rookie guard Brandin Podziemski replace Thompson in the starting lineup and he finished with 13 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Draymond Green chipped in a season-high 23 points for the Warriors. Andrew Wiggins added 19 points and seven rebounds while Stephen Curry had 16 points and 10 assists.

Thompson got the offense going for the Warriors as he scored 17 points in the Warriors’ 84-point first half. He then continued to erupt in the third with 18 points in the third frame.

Klay Thompson off the bench in the 1st half:

17 Points
7/11 FGM
3/6 3PM
12 Minutes pic.twitter.com/J5MsHynikf

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 16, 2024

After trailing by 18 points to start the fourth quarter, Utah made it a one-possession game in the final two minutes.

Markkanen and Collin Sexton each made a pair of baskets to fuel a 13-2 run that cut Golden State’s lead to 138-137 in the final minute. Lauri Markkanen missed a potential go-ahead corner three, and Collins grabbed the offensive rebounds but threw the ball away with 3.1 seconds left. Curry made two free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining before Sexton missed a good look on the final play.

Sexton led the Jazz with 35 points and nine assists. Rookie Keyonte George added a career-high 33 points while making a career-high nine 3-pointers. Markkanen finished with 20 points while John Collins tallied 18. They had 13 rebounds apiece.

Golden State improved to 27-26 as tenth in the West, while Utah slid 26-30 as 11th in the same conference.