Klay Thompson’s Game 3 status will be a tip-time decision

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson said he is optimistic about his chances to play in Game 3 of the NBA Finals series with the Toronto Raptors. But his confidence does not exactly jibe with the expert opinions of the Warriors’ front office and medical personnel.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported via Ramona Shelburne that Thompson has been pleading with the team’s officials to let him play tonight. The team’s officials, meanwhile, are more concerned that Thompson avoid further damage so that he is available for the remainder of the increasingly physical seven-game series, an issue addressed by Warriors Wire earlier today.

Reporting with @ramonashelburne: Golden State officials prefer Klay Thompson sit out Game 3 to protect his sore hamstring for the rest of NBA Finals, but Thompson has continued to lobby them on playing tonight. Decision looms prior to tip.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 5, 2019

 

Thompson’s status remains “day-to-day,” with his availability still listed as “questionable.” A decision on whether Thompson will play in Game 3 will not be made until tipoff.

If he can’t play tonight, it will be the first playoff game Thompson will miss in his career during the Warriors’ dynastic run.

Tipoff is at 9:00 p.m. ET from Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., on ABC.