Programming note: Watch the NBA Finals pregame edition of Warriors Outsiders on Friday at 4 p.m., streaming live on the MyTeams app.
The Warriors missed Klay Thompson in a huge way in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. That's a scientific fact.
Steph Curry scored a playoff career-high 47 points Wednesday night, but he didn't receive much help from his teammates in a 123-109 loss at Oracle Arena.
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"Very weird not being out there joining him," Thompson told reporters Thursday afternoon. "[There is] a lot more anxiety than playing because you can't really control anything. It's all out of your hands.
"All you can do is support your teammates and be the best teammate you can be. Give Quinn [Cook] advice where to get good shots, tell Steph what I'm seeing.
"No athlete wants to go through that, but it's part of sports. It's adversity, and it makes you tougher."
Fortunately for the Warriors, Thompson will be available for Game 4 on Friday night.
Golden State Warriors
"That extra night of rest really helped," he said. "And I just can't wait to get out here tomorrow."
A confident Klay said he will not be compromised.
"I'll be myself," he declared.
If it was up to the two-time All-NBA selection, he would have taken the floor Wednesday. But he wasn't the ultimate decision-maker.
"Never would have forgiven myself if I played him tonight and he had gotten hurt," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game. "So, you live with the decision you make, you make a wise decision, the wisest one you can, and then you live with it and move forward."
The Warriors, who trail the best-of-seven series two games to one, still won't be at full strength as Kevin Durant (right calf strain) was ruled out for Game 4.
Game 5 is Monday night in Toronto.