Game 3 Loss to Raptors Proves Klay Thompson is the Warriors' X-Factor

The Golden State Warriors were banged up for Game 3, with both Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant sidelined with injuries. Thompson's absence was verified at the last minute, as he was a game time decision up until moments prior to tip-off.

Well, the team completely crumbled in his stead, as the Raptors thwarted the Dubs at Oracle Arena, establishing a 2-1 series lead. Everyone on the Warriors not named Steph Curry looked abysmal, failing to help their star point guard put points on the board.

Steph dropped 47 points, an NBA Finals high for the star guard, while only two other Warriors reached double figures in scoring. Draymond Green had 17 and Andre Iguodala had 11 points.

However, it wasn't even offensively that Golden State was missing their star wingman the most. No, defensively, where Thompson is one of the Warriors' most valuable assets, the Warriors struggled massively.

The team surrendered 123 points on the night, allowing the Raptors to convert on 52.4% of their field goal attempts and 44.7% of their deep range shots. Kawhi Leonard led the charge with 30 points, as all five of Toronto's starters reached double-digit scoring figures.

Klay's absence on the defensive side of the ball was more than evident, as the Warriors failed to prevent any of the Raptors' starters from burying buckets. Thompson is typically tasked with matching up with Toronto's best players, but in his stead Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and Pascal Siakam combined for 71 points.

Thompson, who is looking for a max contract this offseason, may have just proven his worth to the team by not stepping on the floor. Rather than showcasing his skills, as he's done for years now, Thompson not being on the court just showed Golden State how valuable he is.

Thompson, despite all the noise hovering around Durant and Curry, may just have proven to be Golden State's X-factor.