NBA: Klay Thompson says shooting woes ‘nothing to do with Durant’

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Golden State Warriors' Klay Thompson shoots during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

One-half of the Golden State Warriors’ splash brothers duo, Klay Thompson, has been uncharacteristically shooting bricks at the start of NBA season.

Heralded as one of the premier marksmen in the league, the 26-year-old sharpshooter is struggling mightily through the Dubs’ first seven games, shooting just over 20 percent from three and 41.2 percent overall.

Pundits, meanwhile, were quick to point out that his recent slump might have something to do with the addition of another sweet-stroking All-Star, Kevin Durant.

“Not at all,” the two-time All-Star denied the rumors in an ESPN report. “I struggled last year for the first 20 games, and Kevin wasn’t here. So it has nothing to do with Kevin.”

The 26-year-old guard’s sentiments regarding his poor play is justified, as he has also undergone a similar downturn  in the first five games last year. He quickly regained his form and finished the season tied for sixth in three-point percentage.

“So last year I struggled, then I went on a tear, so it’s just like any other season,” Thompson quipped. “Obviously we have different players, but I’m still getting the shots I always got before he was here, so it’s not on Kevin at all.”

Despite Thompson’s struggles, the Warriors continue to rack up wins and are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 5-2 win-loss record.  Khristian Ibarrola

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