Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson has been an iron man over the last three seasons, missing a grand total of just six games.
But after taking an inadvertent knee to the head from Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza during Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the possibility Thompson could be out for the NBA Finals became all too real, as he was diagnosed with a concussion.
However, the Warriors' extended layoff has given the 25-year-old sharpshooter time to recover, and he's expected to suit up for Thursday's Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thompson practiced with the team Monday for the first time since his injury, and he'll be re-evaluated Tuesday so he can be officially cleared to compete.
He took part in shooting and defensive drills, as well as some five-on-five basketball.
The NBA's official concussion protocol prevents Thompson from playing until he shows he's no longer suffering from any after-effects following his first practice. "I'd be very shocked if I didn't [pass]," said Thompson following practice, "so I'm really confident I will, and like I said, I feel like I'm well on my way there. I can't give you any promises, but I'm as confident as you can be."
Through 15 postseason games, Thompson is averaging 19.7 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 42.5 percent from behind the arc.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr will be happy to have his second-leading scorer on the floor, though it won't be much of a surprise to the first-year coach. He recently said "all is going well," and expects Thompson to be ready to go as the Warriors vie for their first championship since 1975.
