Warriors' Klay Thompson has ACL tear

[June 14, 2019]  By Rory Carroll

OAKLAND, California (Reuters) - Warriors guard Klay Thompson suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Golden State's series-ending Finals loss to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, the team said.

Thompson was attempting to score a fast-break layup in the third quarter of Game Six when he was fouled from behind. The 29-year-old landed awkwardly and fell to the court grabbing his left knee.

An MRI later confirmed the extent of the injury, the Warriors said.

Thompson, a key part of the team's championships in 2015, 2017 and 2018, was the hottest player on the court on Thursday before his injury.

He had to be helped off but returned moments later to loud applause to shoot two free throws. Thompson then exited the game for good and was later seen on crutches.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Thompson had told him he only needed two minutes to rest and could then continue.

"The next thing I heard was he was done for the night from Drew Yoder, our trainer," Kerr told reporters after the 114-100 loss.

Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reacts after an injury during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game six of the 2019 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It is unclear how severe the tear is but it could keep Thompson, who is expected to become a free agent this summer, off the court for all of next season.

Thompson's injury came one game after his team mate Kevin Durant suffered an Achilles tear, which is expected to keep him sidelined for all of next season.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll; editing by Sudipto Ganguly/Peter Rutherford)

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