NBA Playoffs: Warriors Klay Thompson Dealing with Concussive Symptoms

By Cheri Cheng - 28 May '15 10:43AM

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson will have to pass the concussion protocols in order to play in Game 1 of the 2015 NBA finals next week.

The Warriors announced that Thompson is dealing with concussive symptoms after Houston Rockets Trevor Ariza accidentally kneed him in the face during the fourth quarter. After suffering from the blow, Thompson was brought to the locker room, where he did not exhibit any signs of a concussion.

"Klay Thompson was evaluated by the Warriors medical staff immediately after suffering an injury during tonight's game and was put through a concussion evaluation," the team said. "At the time he did not show any concussion-like symptoms. After the game he began to not feel well and developed concussion-like symptoms. He will continue to be evaluated by the team's medical staff tonight."

Thompson was diagnosed with an ear laceration during the game.

During a postgame interview, Thompson revealed that he was "feeling a little dizzy." However, since the finals do not start for another week, Thompson is hopeful that he will be healthy and ready to go. However, before Game 1, Thompson will have to pass the concussion protocols.

"He was definitely shaken up. We'll evaluate him tomorrow. It was a bizarre night for him," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game. "Huge first half that really got us going, and then I left him in too long, he got his fourth foul and I thought I'd buy one possession, see if we could get him a shot, and when he picks up his fifth and when I do bring him back, he immediately gets hurt and out for the rest of the night. The break will be good for him. It'll probably be good for all the guys with the run we've been on, but especially for Klay."

Klay finished the night with 20 points. He will have to abstain from all activity until he is symptom free. The concussion protocols involve a series of tests with increasing exertion. If the player feels symptoms during a particular step, he will have to stop immediately and undergo the protocol from the beginning at another time. Once he passes all steps without feeling any symptoms, the player will be allowed to return to all activities. There is no set recovery time. Every player recovers at their own pace.

Game 1 of the Finals between the Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers will be on Thursday, June 4 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.