Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson is convinced that he is the best shooting guard in the NBA today, while backcourt partner Steph Curry is the top point guard in the league.
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden and Chicago Bulls All-Star guard Jimmy Butler are both having terrific season for their respective teams. But when asked to name the top shooting guard in the league this season, Thompson has no doubt he is the best in his position because of their record.
"I'm going to go with myself," Thompson told the Bay Area News Group. "We're 26-1. I have confidence in myself."
Thompson had a slow start this season after having an All-Star year and helping his team win the NBA title last season. But after struggling early in the season, which did not have a huge effect on the team as they won their first 24 games, the 25-year-old is getting into his rhythm.
Following their 108-95 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, which snapped their 28-game winning stream dating back to last season, Thompson fired 43 points on 68.2 percent shooting with eight three pointers during their 128-103 victory against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.
During their rematch with the Bucks, Thompson erupted for 27 points on top of three rebounds and three blocks. The former Washington State standout knocked down 22 three-pointers in his last five games. He has 80 three-pointers this season, which is the third-best in the league behind Curry, whom he called the best point guard and best shooter in the NBA today.
"Right now, Steph is a better shooter," said Thompson, who has a career-high 47.3 percent clip from the field and is shooting 47.3 percent from beyond the arc. "I'm trying to catch him. Just by a little, though. Not by a lot. I can't say he's way better than me. He is one of the greatest, and it's an honor to be in the same backcourt with him."
Curry, the 2014-15 NBA season Most Valuable Player, is having another remarkable season and is currently the leading candidate in the MVP race. The 27-year-old is averaging league-best 31.8 points on 52.0 percent shooting from the field to go along with 6.2 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game.
