Kerr lauds Klay's shot selection after season-best 20-point effort

Klay Thompson seemed to break out of a brutal campaign-opening slump Monday against the Houston Rockets, scoring a season-high 20 points. For Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, the breakthrough was a result of Thompson's shot selection.

"Everybody just keeps telling him: 'If you just move (the ball), you're going to get it back with this team,'" Kerr said after the Warriors' 121-116 win, according to The Athletic's Anthony Slater. "And that's what happened. I thought he was a lot more patient. The quality of his shots was much better."

Thompson had yet to score 20-plus points entering Monday after having averaged at least 20 during each of the past seven seasons. The 33-year-old is averaging 14.4 points on career-worst shooting percentages overall (40.3%) and from three (34.3%) so far this campaign.

"I've scored more points in a quarter than I did tonight," Thompson said. "It's going to happen, big nights are going to happen. It's just about letting go of whatever, having fun out there, and playing to win."

Thompson isn't the only Warriors player having a slow start to the season. Forward Andrew Wiggins was averaging 10.5 points on 40% shooting before exploding for 31 points against the Thunder on Saturday.

"I'm really patient," Kerr said. "I've got guys who are championship players. Klay and Wiggs early on have struggled. But I'm of the opinion that we have to show patience. ... You look at Wiggs the other night, and he looked great. Our patience has been rewarded. I think you will see a different Wiggs from here on, and I think the same thing’s going to happen with Klay."

Golden State ranks 10th in the Western Conference with a 7-8 record. The Warriors face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.