Klay Thompson leaves Game 1 after hurting knee

UPDATE: The injury has been officially listed as a left lateral knee contusion. The team is hopeful that he will return to tonight’s game.

The 2018 NBA Finals did not get off to a good start for the Golden State Warriors. About halfway through the first quarter of Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Klay Thompson left the game due to an apparent knee injury.

The injury occurred on something of a freak play. While trying to go for a steal, Cleveland’s JR Smith slipped and fell to the floor. As he did so he slid into an unsuspecting Thompson. Thompson’s knee got stuck under Smith’s body as he was pulled down to the floor.

Thompson reacted immediately, and appeared to be in a bit of pain. But he also got to his feet quickly. He walked off the court on his own power, but had a noticeable limp as he made his way to the locker room.

On the one hand, Thompson’s reaction is a little scary, as athletes usually know when they’ve been injured. On the other hand, it could have been a lot worse.

We’ll keep you posted with any updates as they occur.