The Warriors are the defending NBA champions, but their 2022-23 season has gotten off to a slower start than fans and the team alike might have expected.
Even though Golden State sits at 6-8 and remains winless on the road, Klay Thompson and the rest of his teammates are remaining patient -- and keeping a positive outlook.
“We talk about just enjoying this run we’re on, obviously, but being positive all the time because we know when we go through ruts, people can be upset, including ourselves,” Thompson said on NBC Sports Bay Area's broadcast of the Warriors’ 132-95 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night at Chase Center.
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“We have such a high standard for ourselves that we don’t enjoy losing, and that’s something we haven’t done often. When it does happen, it’s uncomfortable. It’s unfamiliar territory for us, so it’s just about staying the course.”
Thompson, of course, is no stranger to battling through adversity. He didn't suit up for Monday night's game, which was the second contest of a back-to-back, as he works to return to form after coming back in January from two devastating lower leg injuries. That being said, Thompson's own start to the season has been rocky as well just a few months after winning his fourth ring.
The 32-year-old has posted career-low shooting numbers across the 11 contests he has played in, averaging 14.7 points per game on 35.1-percent shooting from the field and 33-percent shooting from behind the 3-point line.
But Thompson isn’t the only one trying to figure things out on the floor.
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The Warriors are ushering in a youthful group they hope can become the team’s core of the future, and coach Steve Kerr has had to get creative in an attempt to find a rotation that can produce wins.
And prior to Jordan Poole’s breakout game against the Spurs on Monday, Thompson’s fellow sharpshooter had struggled to find his shot this season. But Poole's 36-point performance backed up Thompson’s upbeat outlook and proved patience is key.
“Honestly, it’s a long season,” Thompson said. “It’s not about getting discouraged just because it’s so early. It’s about just having fun every night.”
The Warriors are attempting to accomplish arguably the most difficult task in all of sports: winning back-to-back championships.
They know what it takes to get there, and it isn’t easy.
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But having a little fun along the way can't hurt.
And if Thompson’s resiliency over the years has proven anything, it’s that the wins will follow.