Kerr was in disbelief over Thompson’s late mishap in Warriors’ loss

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11). Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Kerr was in disbelief over Klay Thompson’s late mishap in Warriors’ loss to Clippers

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 2/15/24

The Golden State Warriors had blown an 11-point lead going into the fourth quarter on Wednesday night, but with just under 40 seconds remaining against the Los Angeles Clippers, they found themselves still with a chance.

Unfortunately, a head-scratching decision after Brandin Podziemski hit a 3-pointer to make it a one-possession game left the Warriors unable to complete the late push for a comeback.

With the Clippers up 126-120, Podziemski's 3-pointer made it 126-123 with 39.5 seconds remaining.

Golden State head coach Steve Kerr could be seen just feet away from the inbounds, shouting for his players not to foul.

One stop for the Warriors would mean a chance to tie, but instead, Klay Thompson fouled Russell Westbrook almost immediately after receiving the inbounds pass roughly 85 feet from the basket.

Unsurprisingly, Kerr was in utter disbelief.

These Warriors reactions to Klay's late-game foul pic.twitter.com/3ehLxrrbwl
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) February 15, 2024

It was a brutal moment and a complete momentary lapse from Thompson. While Kerr was seen nearly on the floor, even Podziemski couldn't contain his reaction.

Westbrook made both free throws, followed by Stephen Curry managing to cut the lead back to three with a layup with 31 seconds remaining, nearly setting up the same situation.

While the Warriors ultimately were unable to have the situation pan out how they hoped (about 8-9 seconds later), Kerr spoke about Thompson's decision, calling it an "obvious defend and just play it out" spot, as Angelina Martin of NBC Sports Bay Area revealed.

"Yeah, we didn't want a [foul]," Kerr said. "We're down three with 38 seconds, so it's an obvious defend and just play it out and get a rebound, and then it's a one-possession game."

This can't bode well for Thompson's obvious frustration with not being on the floor to close out games for the Warriors.

Whether it impacts his outlook going forward will be worth monitoring. While the 34-year-old was key to the team's win in the previous game over the Utah Jazz, scoring 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting, he struggled against the Clippers.

Thompson finished the night with 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting and 1-of-9 from beyond the arc while logging 30 minutes.

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