On April 15, Beijing time, in the world of basketball, injuries are always part of the game, and sometimes, a sudden injury can change the direction of the entire season. The 2019 NBA season was such a turning point for the Golden State Warriors.
At the time, their star player Kecai Thompson was injured in the Finals, an incident that not only affected the Warriors' championship plans, but also changed the entire NBA in some way. If we could turn back the clock, imagine if Thompson hadn't been injured in 2019, would the Warriors have a chance to win the championship or even achieve the feat of three consecutive championships?
First of all, we have to admit that injuries are part of the game and a risk that no team can completely avoid. However, Thompson's importance in the Warriors cannot be overstated, and his scoring ability and defensive consistency are a key part of the Warriors' tactical system. In the 2018-2019 season, Thompson averaged 21.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting 40.2% from three-point range. This performance is enough to prove that he is an important weapon for the Warriors on the offensive end.
In the Finals, Thompson's absence undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on the Warriors. His scoring ability and perimeter defense are essential to limiting the opposition's offensive tempo and creating a situation where the attackers outnumber the defenders. His absence left the Warriors struggling in the Finals and ultimately losing the series.
However, if we assume that Thompson is not injured, the Warriors may have performed completely differently in the Finals, and they will likely maintain their original system and continue to use Thompson's scoring ability and defensive consistency to suppress opponents. At the same time, their roster depth will be enriched by Thompson's presence, which will be crucial in dealing with the intensity and pressure of the playoffs.
However, we cannot ignore the strength and changes of our opponents. The NBA is a competitive and unpredictable league, with new teams rising every season to challenge the old order. Even if Thompson is not injured, the Warriors will need to face challenges from other teams, including strong teams such as the Bucks and Clippers. Therefore, even with Thompson on the roster, it will not be easy for the Warriors to achieve a third consecutive championship.