OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors absorbed a blow on Wednesday night before a shot was even attempted. Coach Steve Kerr decided before Game 3 of the N.B.A. finals that Klay Thompson would not play because of a strained left hamstring, prioritizing caution over risk.
The Warriors were already missing Kevin Durant (indefinitely) and Kevon Looney (for the rest of the series) because of injuries, and now this? The Warriors are still a powerhouse in search of their fourth championship in five seasons, but they are not immune to sprains and strains, and the collective cost of so many battered body parts is mounting.