Klay Thompson is not an afternoon game type of guy. Not normally.



Last season, he had 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting in the early game to start the playoffs. Then, in the opener of the Western Conference finals against San Antonio, another early game, Thompson had just six points on 2-of-11 shooting. He opened the 2016 playoffs in a day game with 16 points on 4-for-14 shooting.



But the noon start had no chance of thwarting Thompson this time. Neither did the Spurs defense.



Thompson made 11 of his 13 shots. That’s the highest field-goal percentage in his career when he’s taken at least 10 shots. Even though he was clearly hot, this wasn’t the explosive jaw-dropping performance he has become known for. This was perhaps better because it was one of the most mature, controlled games by Thompson.



“Not caring about your stats,” Thompson said. “It’s that simple, and if you just focus and play free-minded,...