Klay Thompson ended a season-opening shooting slump by hitting seven 3-pointers to lead the Miami Heat to a 145-125 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday. The performance raised Thompson’s season average from 32% to 39% from beyond the arc, according to the Associated Press.
Thompson’s Third Quarter Surge
The game shifted in the third quarter when Thompson hit five 3-pointers in a seven-minute span. Pro Football Network reported that Thompson scored a season-high 25 points in 26 minutes of play, shooting 9-for-14 from the field. Miami outscored Indiana by 19 points while Thompson was on the floor. He also recorded 3 assists.
This marked the 54th time in Thompson’s regular-season career that he has made at least seven 3-pointers in a single game. He admitted after the win that his start to the season “wasn’t the best,” but noted he felt he was “due for a night like this.” He added that he “really enjoyed it” and felt his emotion showed.
KLAY THOMPSON TONIGHT 🔥🔥🔥25 PTS9-14 FG7-12 3FGVINTAGE. pic.twitter.com/FOMz3BfMlx
Did you know? Thompson’s seven 3-pointers on Friday match the record he set in 2008 when he won a California boys high school state final title in Sacramento, as reported by the Associated Press.
Heat Coaching and Teammate Reactions
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra described Thompson as “the definition of ignitable,” stating that while he always provides gravity on the court, he is difficult to stop once he gets on a roll. Spoelstra noted that Thompson has an “exponential possibility factor” for the team. Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo compared watching Thompson’s shooting to “throwing a rock into the ocean,” calling him one of the best shooters of all time.
KLAY SWISHES HIS 5th TRIPLE 🎯He's got 19 PTS as the Heat lead in Q3! pic.twitter.com/2EJbhkG6SA
Thompson attributed the turnaround to a change in approach, telling Pro Football Network that he focused on playing off his teammates and feeding the big men in the post rather than forcing shots early in the game.
Contrast in Early Season Production
The Friday performance stands in contrast to Thompson’s first five games in Miami, where he scored only 39 total points and shot 13-for-41 from the field.
GIANNIS AND-1 AFTER BATTLING FOR BOARDS.He's got 22 PTS and 13 REB as the Heat lead in Q3! pic.twitter.com/h1O2QxDjPB
California Road Trip Schedule
The Heat begin a five-game road trip on Monday, with the first four games taking place in California. The trip opens in Los Angeles with matchups against the Lakers and Clippers. Thompson noted the personal significance of the return, as his father, Mychal, previously played for the Lakers. He expressed excitement to see his parents, brothers, niece, and nephew.
The schedule continues in the Bay Area against the Golden State Warriors—the team with whom Thompson won four championships—before concluding in Sacramento. Thompson stated he is looking forward to competing against former teammates and friends in the Bay Area. He said he cannot wait to see familiar faces, including custodians, concessions and stand workers, equipment managers, and training staff.
Klay Thompson’s Miami Performance FAQ
Why was Thompson’s shooting slump a topic of discussion?
Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas publicly questioned how a shooter of Thompson’s caliber could “lose your shot” after three seasons of struggle, a point highlighted by Pro Football Network. Arenas remarked that in Thompson’s worst year, he was like Ray Allen and “invincible.” Following the Pacers game, some fans tweeted that Thompson “heard the noise” and “heard what Gilbert Arenas said.”
How does this game affect his season statistics?
The 7-for-12 performance from distance increased his season 3-point average from 32% to 39%, according to the Associated Press.
#HEATWin Final: HEAT 145, Pacers 125🔥 Antetokounmpo: 31pts, 17rebs, 10asts🔥 Adebayo: 27pts, 9rebs, 3stls🔥 Thompson: 25pts🔥 Larsson: 18pts🔥 Mitchell: 15pts, 6rebs, 11asts🔥 Wiggins: 12pts, 2stls
Which California teams will Thompson face first?
The Heat first travel to Los Angeles to play the Lakers and the Clippers before moving north to face the Warriors and Kings.
Thompson’s return to the Bay Area follows a tenure with the Golden State Warriors where he was part of the “Splash Brothers” duo alongside Stephen Curry. He joined the Heat after the Dallas Mavericks bought out his contract.
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