Klay Thompson's 2017-2018 NBA season was marked by significant individual milestones and a third NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors. Throughout the season, Thompson consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess and solidified his place in the franchise's history books. From surpassing career point totals to climbing the all-time three-point and franchise scoring lists, this season highlighted Thompson's enduring impact on the Warriors and the league.
His contributions were crucial as the team navigated the regular season and ultimately secured back-to-back titles.
Climbing the Franchise Scoring Ranks
During the 2017-2018 season, Klay Thompson made notable advancements on the Golden State Warriors' all-time scoring lists. On October 29, 2017, he scored 29 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons, pushing his career total past 9,000 points, making him the eleventh player in franchise history to achieve this feat. This early-season accomplishment set the tone for a year where Thompson would continue to etch his name deeper into the Warriors' record books.
His ascent continued as the season progressed. On February 22, 2018, in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Thompson surpassed Joe Barry Carroll's 9,996 points, moving into tenth place on the franchise's career scoring list. This game also marked another significant milestone: Thompson became the tenth Warrior to reach 10,000 regular season career points. Just two days later, he further climbed the ranks, passing Neil Johnston (10,023 points) for ninth place on the franchise's career scoring list in a win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Three-Point Prowess and Playoff Records
Klay Thompson's reputation as one of the league's premier three-point shooters was further cemented during the 2017-2018 season. On December 27, 2017, in a victory over the Utah Jazz, Thompson hit three three-pointers, which tied him with Dana Barros for third place in consecutive games with a three-pointer, reaching 89 straight games. Later in the season, on April 5, 2018, despite a loss to the Indiana Pacers, Thompson made four three-pointers, moving past Tim Hardaway (1,542) for 25th on the NBA's all-time career list for three-pointers made.
His impact extended into the playoffs, where he continued to set records. In Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Houston Rockets, Thompson surpassed Rick Barry (1,776) to claim second place on the Warriors' career postseason scoring list. He also joined Stephen Curry as the only Warriors players, and only the sixth player ever, to make 300 three-pointers in the postseason. This consistent long-range shooting was a critical component of the Warriors' offensive strategy throughout their championship run.
Key Performances and Championship Contributions
Beyond the statistical milestones, Thompson delivered several standout performances during the 2017-2018 season that were crucial to the Warriors' success. On December 20, 2017, he scored 27 of his 29 points in the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies, making his first nine field goals in a dominant victory. Another high-scoring night came on January 17, 2018, when he put up 38 points in a win over the Chicago Bulls. After an eight-game absence due to a broken right thumb, Thompson returned on March 31, 2018, scoring 25 points on 10-for-19 shooting in a victory against the Sacramento Kings, demonstrating his quick return to form.
In the playoffs, Thompson's scoring was vital. He scored 24 points in Game 5 of the first-round series against the San Antonio Spurs, joining Rick Barry and Stephen Curry as Warriors players with 600 postseason field goals. In Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, facing elimination against the Houston Rockets, Thompson hit nine three-pointers and scored 35 points, helping the Warriors rally from a 17-point deficit to secure a crucial victory. His 20 points in Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers helped the Warriors take a commanding 2-0 series lead, ultimately leading to their sweep and back-to-back titles.
