Thompson’s concussion could be painful for G.S.

Associated Press

OAKLAND, Calif.

The initial hit caused Klay Thompson plenty of pain. The final diagnosis delivered another blow to him and the Golden State Warriors as they prepare for the NBA Finals.

Two days after he got kneed in the head by Houston’s Trevor Ariza, the Warriors said Friday that Thompson has a concussion and will not return to practice until he is symptom-free.

The All-Star guard went through neurological tests that confirmed the concussion. He was injured in the fourth quarter of Golden State’s 104-90 win over the Rockets in the Western Conference finals clincher Wednesday night.

The NBA Finals start Thursday against Cleveland. And while the Warriors are optimistic Thompson will be cleared before then, he must pass through the league’s concussion protocol first.

“This break has turned out to be good for us,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after Friday’s practice. “And maybe good for Cleveland, too, because they’ve got some injuries. It’s just something we’ve got to work through and we’ll see how it goes.”

Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving has been slowed by knee tendinitis and a sore foot, and four-time NBA MVP LeBron James has been banged up as well.

But neither of those injuries seems as serious as the one the Warriors are facing now.

Thompson was at the team’s facility Friday but did not participate in the workout. The Warriors will practice again Saturday and take Sunday off.

Kerr said he’s not concerned about Thompson staying sharp.

“Klay picks up his rhythm very quickly,” Kerr said.

It’s unclear how long Thompson could be away from the court — and that’s the concern for the Warriors.

The NBA’s concussion policy requires players to pass a series of steps without experiencing symptoms before they can return. That starts with riding a stationary bike and progresses to jogging, agility work and non-contact team drills, according to the league. Players must start over if they experience any symptoms.

The protocol also requires the team physician to discuss the process with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, the director of the NBA’s concussion program, before a player can return.

Kerr insisted he will heed the advice of the medical staff as he always has with injuries.