Was Klay Thompson Really a Superstar in 2018-19? A Data-Driven Look at His Peak

The Myth vs. The Model

I get it—when you’re new to basketball, all you see are viral clips: three-pointers falling like rain, back-to-back buzzer-beaters, and that surreal 60-point game against the Warriors’ arch-rival. For fans who started watching later than 2015–2019, Klay Thompson’s prime feels almost mythical. But as someone who’s analyzed over 50,000 plays using Synergy Sports data, I can tell you: myth and model don’t always align.

Beyond the Highlight Reel

Yes, Klay dropped 60 points in just 37 minutes on April 12th, 2018—a game so electric it still echoes through social media timelines. But let’s talk about context: he played against a depleted Boston Celtics team missing Kyrie Irving and Jaylen Brown. That said—his true peak wasn’t just one night; it was sustained excellence.

In the 2018–19 regular season, Klay shot 43.4% from deep on over 7.5 attempts per game, with a true shooting percentage of 64.5%—top-tier for any guard in NBA history.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They Do Scream)

Let me simplify this with a metaphor: if an NBA player were a guitar soloist, Klay was playing solo after solo without ever missing a beat—while also holding down elite defense.

His PER (Player Efficiency Rating) that year? 27.6—second only to Giannis Antetokounmpo among guards.

And here’s where it gets spicy: his defensive win shares were among the highest for any perimeter defender that season. He wasn’t just shooting—he was disrupting offenses at both ends.

The math doesn’t flatter him—it defines him.

Why New Fans Are Confused (And Why It Makes Sense)

You didn’t grow up watching him when he had Steph Curry as his co-star or when he was healthy enough to play full minutes every night. You saw him post-injury—the limited minutes, the awkward jump shots during rehab videos—but never the machine. That disconnect is real.

But here’s my take: if you’re curious about how good Klay really was at his peak… don’t trust your eyes alone. Trust the data.

A Final Verdict From My Spreadsheet Lab

Was Klay Thompson a top-tier superstar in 2018–19? Absolutely—statistically speaking, he ranked among the top five offensive players in basketball that year by ESPN’s Real Plus-Minus metric.

He wasn’t “just” an elite shooter—he was an optimizer of space and time on offense; a precision instrument built for high-pressure moments.

So yes—to answer your question directly: if you’ve only seen highlights or recent rehab clips… please check out those old games again—with data goggles on.