For the first time in his career, Klay Thompson got ejected. It took 759 combined regular season and playoff games.
Thompson began jawing with rival guard Devin Booker early in the third quarter and earned two technical fouls halfway through the period. He and Booker each earned a technical when they met chest-to-chest after a whistle, then Thompson got tossed after continuing to complain to veteran official Ed Malloy.
During game stoppages, Thompson and Booker frequently talked to each other. The chatter especially heated up after Thompson stuffed Booker’s stepback 3 attempt.
Before the game, head coach Steve Kerr said Thompson is a bit upset with the way his season has begun. The guard has been on a minutes limit due to conditioning and he hasn’t found his rhythm.
But Thompson’s uncharacteristic behavior Tuesday went beyond any normal frustrations. As he left the court, he appeared to point to his fingers, reminding Phoenix’s bench about his four championship rings.
Thompson finished with two points in 19 minutes. He went 1-for-8 from the field and 0-for-5 from deep.
At the time of Thompson’s ejection, officials had assessed seven technical fouls in the third quarter alone.
