Yesterday was Thompson's first game of comeback after two and a half years. In the first game, he scored 17 points, which is in excellent form. Judging from his offense and defense, his physical condition recovery is very good. The Warriors will be stronger after Thompson's comeback. It's not just one more core player on the offensive end, but more importantly, Thompson's impact on the Warriors' tactics on the court.
Thompson hasn't played in two and a half years, and who noticed the way his opponent defended him in his first comeback game yesterday? It's clear that Thompson enjoys the same defensive treatment as Curry, which he has enjoyed since before he was injured.
Thompson defended him in the first quarter by sticking to him and leaving no room. The Cavaliers players were defending Thompson and even his hand was on Thompson's waist. This shows how much of a threat Thompson poses on the outside. There is also a round that clearly demonstrates Thompson's role in pulling defense on the court.
The Warriors landed on the left side of the three-point line as they went on a half-court offense. Osman, who was in charge of defending Thompson at the time, clung to Thompson tightly and did not give him a single bit of space. Curry attacked at the top of the arc, forming a misalignment after Curry defended Allen, and then Curry broke through Allen through his speed advantage to complete the layup. At that time, Curry's breakthrough route was next to Thompson. If It hadn't been for Thompson standing there, perhaps Osman would have chosen to let go of his defender to help Curry. This round clearly reflects Thompson's lead on the court.
There was also a round when Thompson and Rooney played the block when the opponent very decisively chose to pinch Thompson, and then Thompson sent the ball to Rooney in time, Rooney hit the basket to complete the score, no doubt the opponent is the same as the defensive Curry when facing Thompson. Sticking to Thompson when there is no ball, not giving him a shred of space, and when Thompson is playing the ball, the opponent still chooses to decisively pinch, and Thompson's lead on the court has been clearly reflected in the first game.
This will have a very far-reaching impact on the Warriors' future games. This means that the warriors' future space will become huge. When Thompson and these new teammates are finished, then the Warriors will return to their smooth offense, Wiggins and other players will get a lot of opportunities, and then the Warriors will become a nightmare for the whole league team.