Klay Thompson's Angry Reaction to Getting Benched Revealed

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Joey Linn | Last updated Dec 13, 2023 4:31 PM ET

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson was benched down the stretch of Tuesday night's game vs. the Phoenix Suns in a decision by Steve Kerr that felt overdue. Notorious for living and dying with his veterans, Kerr has been allowing Thompson to play through struggles, but finally made the decision to go away from him in this one.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Thompson was not happy with the decision, and even needed to be calmed down by Steph Curry.

"Steph at one point kinda had to pull him him away," Slater said of Thompson. "He was yelling towards the bench. It didn’t seem like it was anybody in particular he was yelling at. I'm sure the coaching staff for making the decision. But he was making his opinions felt. Then he walked over and hit something on the bench. It looked like a cup rack or something went flying behind the bench."

.@anthonyVslater describes the scene in Phoenix last night after Klay got benched:

“Steph, at one point, kinda had to pull him (Klay) away. He was yelling towards the bench. It didn’t seem like it was anybody in particular he was yelling at… He was making his opinions felt.… pic.twitter.com/FC1dH3XvdK
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) December 13, 2023

Slater added that Thompson was professional postgame, owning up to his poor play and saying he trusts coach Kerr, but that was his reaction in the moment. Angry about the decision that led to his benching, Thompson was visibly upset on the bench, but was able to acknowledge his poor play after the game.

This is a situation the Warriors will have to figure out, especially if Thompson continues to play this poorly.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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