NBA: Klay Thompson comes off the bench for first time in 12 years to score season-high 35 points

After making 727 starts during the regular season as a rookie with Golden State in 2012, Thompson, 34, had not been left out of the starting lineup.

In addition, he became the 153rd player in NBA history to score 15,000 points in their career.

Coach Steve Kerr remarked, “Klay coming off the bench gives us a lot of firepower.”

“After taking a quick look, we’ll see where it goes next

“He did a fantastic job managing everything. Coming off the bench for the first time in [more than] 11 years was not easy, but he did it with a determined and competitive demeanor. It’s challenging

“Klay, though, is a winner. He’s among the most driven individuals I’ve ever encountered. He played a fantastic game and answered appropriately.”

Thompson, who entered the game seven minutes into the first quarter, scored 17 points in 12 minutes, leading Golden State to an 84-71 advantage at the break.

Together with Chris Mullin, Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain, Paul Arizin, and Stephen Curry, he is the sixth player in the history of the Warriors to score 15,000 points..

“Throughout the game, when I’m running with the second unit, I realised I might be more of a focal point to the offense,” Thompson explained.

Playing that role is enjoyable. I simply wanted to show coach [Steve Kerr] that I could handle the situation and respond like a pro.”

The Jazz are ranked 11th in the Western Conference and have dropped their last four games, while the Warriors are ranked 10th after winning their last home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

At another location, the Memphis Grizzlies stunned the

With a career-high 27 points from Ziaire Williams and a career-high 19 points from rookie GG Jackson off the bench, the 13th-placed Grizzlies defeated the third-placed Bucks team in the Eastern Conference.

“It’s the best shot I’ve ever taken in my life,” Jackson declared. “Once you have your jump shot, it opens everything else.”

The Portland Trail Blazers suffered even more defeat at home when the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated them 128-91.

Anthony Edwards of Minnesota scored 34 points, extending the Trail Blazers’ losing run to six games.