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Warriors' Klay Thompson Suffers Hamstring Injury; Expects to Play in Game 3

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistJune 3, 2019

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 2: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball against the Toronto Raptors during Game Two of the NBA Finals on June 2, 2019 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson left Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday with left hamstring tightness in the fourth quarter and did not return.

After the Warriors' 109-104 win, Thompson told Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, "I don't see myself missing Game 3."

"Klay said he'd be fine, but he could be half-dead and he'd say he's fine," Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters. "He pulled his hamstring and he thinks it's minor—we'll see."

Thompson scored 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting in addition to five assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes before leaving the game.

The eight-year veteran averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists during the regular season. However, his efficiency took a slight step backward, as he made just 40.2 percent of his three-pointers, the second-lowest rate of his career.

Thompson's 107.8 defensive rating was a career worst as well, per NBA.com.

The 29-year-old sprained his ankle in the Warriors' Game 6 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of this year's playoffs. Although he didn't miss any game time, many wondered whether the injury has lingered, as he clearly wasn't performing like his usual self.

In terms of Golden State's larger hierarchy, Thompson is probably the third-most important player on the team behind Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant. Some might argue Draymond Green is higher up in the pecking order as well.

The spacing and perimeter defense Thompson provides is vital to the Warriors, though, in their quest for a third straight title. Without Thompson, they remain the championship favorites over the Raps but become far more vulnerable to a playoff upset if misses a game, especially as Kevin Durant continues to nurse his strained calf.

Game 3 is Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.