NBA Finals
mistic Thompson will be cleared before then, he must pass through the league’s concussion protocol first.
“This break has turned out to be good for us,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Friday’s practice. “And maybe good for Cleveland, too, because they’ve got some injuries. It’s just something we’ve got to work through, and we’ll see how it goes.”
Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been slowed by knee tendinitis and a sore foot, and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James has been banged up.
Thompson was at the team’s facilit y Friday, but did not participate in the workout.
Kerr said he’s not concerned about Thompson staying sharp.
“Klay picks up his rhythm very quickly,” Kerr said.
It’s unclear how long Thompson could be away from the court.
The NBA’s concussion policy requires players to pass a series of steps without experiencing symptoms before they can return. That starts with riding a stationary bike and progresses to jogging, agilit y work and non- contact team drills, according to the league. Players must start over if they experience any symptoms.
The protocol also requires the team physician to discuss the process with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program, before a player can return.
Kerr insisted he will heed the advice of the medical staff.
“I just do what the doctors say we should do,” he said. “Obviously, we want to be as careful as possible and make sure our players are safe and sound and healthy.”
Team doctors initially cleared Thompson to return to the game. He didn’t play, and the team said he started developing symptoms after the game, fueling questions about the league’s concussion protocol.
Thompson’s father, former NBA player My- chal Thompson, had to drive his son home after the game because he was feeling ill. He said Thursday that Klay vomited a few times but had been feeling “better by the hour” and was confident doctors would clear him before the Finals begin.
It was the second consecutive game the Warriors were under scrutiny for letting an All-Star player return after getting banged up.
Point guard and MVP Stephen Curry got hurt in the second quarter of Game 4 when he jumped as Ariza was about to shoot. Ariza stopped abruptly, causing Curry to tumble over him.
Curry’s head and right arm hit the court, but he returned in the third quarter after passing the concussion protocol and has not shown signs of a concussion, the team said.