Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Thompson: 'I have to finish at the rim; I have to dunk more'
Share This Post
Comments
Monday, October 14, 2013 - 9:30am
Follow @MontePooleCSN

Programming note: Are you an early-riser? Catch the Warriors game against the Lakers in China on Friday, October 18 at 4:30 a.m. on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.

Like many of his teammates, Warriors guard Klay Thompson spent much of his summer dedicated to improving specific aspects of his game. It’s a time-honored summer tradition in the NBA.
 
Thompson’s short-term goal is to make better use of his "quiet" athleticism.
 
His long-term goal is considerably greater. The 6-foot-7 shooting guard wants to reach All-Star level.
 
"I’m trying to attack more," Thompson says. "I’m trying to be as complete offensively as I can.
 
"Everyone knows my jumper is the base of my game. But to be an All-Star caliber player one day, I have to finish at the rim. I have to dunk more, show people I can jump."

[REWIND -- Thompson: 'It takes more than five guys to win a title']
 
That much was apparent through the team’s first two preseason games and likely will be evident when the Warriors meet the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday for the first of two preseason games in China. The game at the MasterCard Center in Beijing will be televised by NBATV at 4:30 a.m. PDT.
 
Thompson last season earned a reputation as one of the league’s more willing and deadly long-distance shooters, finishing with 211 3-point shots. Only teammate Stephen Curry, who drained an NBA single-season record 272, and New Orleans' Ryan Anderson (213) made more.
 
Well aware that opponents will be in his face any time he is near the 3-point line – he got a good dose of that defense from San Antonio in the final two games of the Western Conference semifinals – Thompson wants to punish defenders by going around them and then over them.
 
Thompson, 23, surely raised a few eyebrows last week by grabbing a Toney Douglas miss in midair and slamming it through the basket in the first quarter of a win over Sacramento.  It was one of several throw-downs this preseason from the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, including a two-handed power dunk in the preseason opener against the Lakers.


It all goes back to Thompson spending summer days and nights in the gym, improving his explosion and interior tenacity.
 
"That was my emphasis, definitely," Thompson says. "I think I’m getting there. I still have a lot of room to grow in that aspect, but I’m working at it every day."
 
Curry spent much of his summer strengthening his body to better absorb the contact as he drives to the hoop. It’s part of his goal to shoot more free throws.

Center Andrew Bogut gave his body six weeks to heal and, finally pain free, two months to trim his physique. He succeeded.

Power forward David Lee followed a similar plan and also looks good. 

Small forward Harrison Barnes also set up shop in the gym, working on ball-handling and slashing to the basket.
 
And then there is Thompson, who through three games leads the Warriors in minutes (30 per game) and scoring (16.0 ppg). He wants to give opponents something to fear -- a jump shooter who won’t hesitate to go inside and bend the rim. He’s off to a good start.

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Jackson talks overall state of Warriors, Curry brothers, Barnes' health
Jackson emphasizes 'staying true to the process'
Bogut: 'If it was a regular season game, I would have been out there'
YSTL: Reece on Polamalu: 'He's going to be around every play'

Giants

Don Mattingly's future with Dodgers remains unclear
Dodgers acknowledge maturity issues with Yasiel Puig
Cardinals end Dodgers' season, head to World Series
Sources: Lincecum to test free agency market
Read More

Athletics

Victorino's slam leads Red Sox to World Series
Gray undergoes successful thumb surgery
Red Sox a win from pennant after beating Tigers in Game 5
Nolan Ryan to retire as CEO of Texas Rangers
Read More

Sharks

LIVE: Sharks vs. Red Wings
Sharks, Red Wings both missing key pieces tonight
Burns out vs. Red Wings; Hamilton to debut
In the Crease: Sharks vs. Red Wings
Read More

49ers

Titans owner Bud Adams dies at 90
Rams QB Sam Bradford out for year with torn ACL
Week 7 Rewind: 49ers hit their stride in Tennessee
Young cornerbacks give 49ers a lift
Read More

Raiders

Raiders offensive line still ailing after the bye
Raiders excited for final five home games without infield dirt
King adds accuracy to go with strong leg
Former RB Jones thrives on Raiders special teams
Read More

Warriors

Warriors notes: Bogut talks free agency, Barnes update
Health of Barnes, not Bogut, a concern for Warriors
Ever wonder what happened to Thunder?
Warriors Rewind: The good (Iguodala) and the bad (Bogut's back)
Read More

NCAA

Cal handled by Oregon State 49-17
Gaffney leads No. 13 Stanford past No. 9 UCLA
No. 13 Stanford hosts No. 9 UCLA
Rice named to College Football Playoff committee
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

Don Mattingly's future with Dodgers remains unclear
(3)
Associated Press

More Stories

Dodgers acknowledge maturity issues with Yasiel Puig
(61)
Cardinals end Dodgers' season, head to World Series
(19)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

YSTL: O'Connell: 'These escalating, inflating contracts have to stop'
YSTL: O'Connell: 'These escalating, inflating contracts have to stop'
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Sources: Lincecum to test free agency market
Giants reportedly out on Cuban slugger Abreu

GIANTS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Victorino's slam leads Red Sox to World Series
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Gray undergoes successful thumb surgery
Red Sox a win from pennant after beating Tigers in Game 5
See more >

A's VIDEO

Beane on Colon: 'It'd be foolish not to say we have interest'
Beane on Colon: 'It'd be foolish not to say we have interest'
See more >

A's TALK

Nolan Ryan to retire as CEO of Texas Rangers
Tigers take Game 4, even ALCS at two games apiece
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

LIVE: Sharks vs. Red Wings
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Sharks, Red Wings both missing key pieces tonight
(3)
Burns out vs. Red Wings; Hamilton to debut
(3)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Thornton: 'We jump on teams quick and really don't let up'
Thornton: 'We jump on teams quick and really don't let up'
See more >

Features

In the Crease: Sharks vs. Red Wings
Sharks mailbag: Will Hertl score 40?

SHARKS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Warriors notes: Bogut talks free agency, Barnes update
Monte Poole

More Stories

Health of Barnes, not Bogut, a concern for Warriors
(4)
Ever wonder what happened to Thunder?
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Jackson talks overall state of Warriors, Curry brothers, Barnes' health
Jackson talks overall state of Warriors, Curry brothers, Barnes' health
See more >

Features

Warriors Rewind: The good (Iguodala) and the bad (Bogut's back)
Bogut leaves Shanghai game early with back spasms

WARRIORS INSIDER

  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Kings come up short in 109-105 loss to Portland
(2)
Associated Press

More Stories

Cousins, Kings win third straight, 107-90 over Suns
(1)
Kings waive two, trim training camp roster to 16
See more >

Watch

Highlights: Cousins' monster game powers Kings win
Highlights: Cousins' monster game powers Kings win
See more >

Features

Big night from Cousins helps Kings top Clippers
Carl Landry out three to four months

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

Titans owner Bud Adams dies at 90
(1)
Associated Press

More Stories

Rams QB Sam Bradford out for year with torn ACL
(3)
Week 7 Rewind: 49ers hit their stride in Tennessee
(17)
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Green and Brown: Jaguars have nothing to lose
Green and Brown: Jaguars have nothing to lose
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 7 Rewind: 49ers hit their stride in Tennessee
(17)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders offensive line still ailing after the bye
Scott Bair

More Stories

Raiders excited for final five home games without infield dirt
(7)
King adds accuracy to go with strong leg
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

YSTL: Reece on Polamalu: 'He's going to be around every play'
YSTL: Reece on Polamalu: 'He's going to be around every play'
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 6 Rewind: Raiders need offensive line to heal up fast
(23)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Quakes all but out of playoff contention after draw vs. Galaxy
(2)
Robert Jonas

More Stories

Quakes' Corrales to retire after 2013 season
Wondolowski delivers Earthquakes huge win over Rapids
(1)
See more >

Watch

Highlights: Earthquakes 1, Rapids 0
Highlights: Earthquakes 1, Rapids 0
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Sources: Lincecum to test free agency market
(48)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Week 7 Rewind: 49ers hit their stride in Tennessee
(17)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders offensive line still ailing after the bye
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Sharks, Red Wings both missing key pieces tonight
(3)
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

Steve Smith waxes poetic on house training your dog

TOP STORIES

  • Warriors notes: Bogut talks free agency, Barnes update
  • Health of Barnes, not Bogut, a concern for Warriors
  • Ever wonder what happened to Thunder?

Authentic Fan Friday

Come to Authentic Fan Friday – every Friday A’s home game.

Say Hey Tuesdays

Join us for Say Hey Tuesday – every Tuesday Giants home game.

TEXT ALERTS

Be the first to know. Sign up for breaking news text alerts!

NCAA

Rice named to College Football Playoff committee
NCAA upholds Bennett's five-game suspension

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Jackson talks overall state of Warriors, Curry brothers, Barnes' health
Jackson talks overall state of Warriors, Curry brothers, Barnes' health
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers Insider
  • Scott Bair - Raiders Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks Insider
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California