Editor's note: The above video shows highlights from Klay Thompson's 45-point night against the Mavericks on Wednesday.
There surely were a few NBA players Thursday afternoon sweating the All-Star selection process, eyes on their smart phones, awaiting word of the fate.
Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson was not one of them.
“I wasn’t nervous,” he said. “I was just had a mindset like, ‘If I make it, great. If I don’t, still having a great year.’"
He made it, a Western Conference All-Star for the second straight season. Thompson was at a park, away from his phone and didn’t realize coaches had voted him in as a reserve until he retrieved his phone and saw the missed calls and text messages.
[NEWS: Klay, Draymond voted in as All-Star reserves]
That, he figured, was good news. He’ll join teammates Stephen Curry, who fans voted in as a starter, and Draymond Green, who also was selected as a reserve in Toronto for All-Star Weekend Feb. 12-14.
“It’s really special,” Thompson said. “Going with Steph and Draymond, who been having outstanding years, is a true testament to the depth of our team. If it wasn’t for those guys we wouldn’t have the record we do. You’ve got to give all our team credit. A lot of people on this team sacrifice personal numbers and put the team first. That’s why we have such a great record right now.
“If it wasn’t for them, me and Draymond wouldn't be there with Steph.”
Thompson is averaging 20.9 points per game, second on the Warriors and tied for 14th in the NBA. He has made 140 3-pointers, ranking only behind Curry, and is ninth in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (42.7).
The Warriors’ first-round pick (11th overall) in 2011, Thompson entered the NBA under the general perception of being one-dimensional -- strictly a spot-up shooter. He has developed a much more complete skill set, adding terrific defense and the ability to drive into the paint.
Thompson was named to the team as a reserve last season but wound up starting, next to Curry, as an injury replacement. He also competed in the 3-point shootout, won by Curry.
Thompson made it clear he would like a rematch.
“I’d love to do the 3-point competition,” he said.
