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Klay Thompson cleared to play in NBA Finals after passing concussion protocol

OAKLAND, Calif. – Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson has passed the NBA's concussion protocol and can play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

Thompson was injured in the fourth quarter of Golden State's 104-90 Game 5 win over the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference finals clincher on May 27. The Warriors said Friday that neurological tests revealed Thompson had a concussion.

Klay Thompson was injured in Game 5 of the West finals. (NBAE/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson was injured in Game 5 of the West finals. (NBAE/Getty Images)

After practicing the past two days, Thompson completed the NBA's concussion protocol on Tuesday and was cleared to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

"I felt great, honestly, these past few days," Thompson said after the Warriors' practice on Tuesday. "I feel like I'm getting my wind back. Tomorrow is the final tune-up and I'm just trying to stop the nerves and anxiousness or even the doubt as much as possible."

Thompson still has a scar in his ear from when Houston forward Trevor Ariza kicked him in the head. Thompson participated in the Warriors' entire practice on Tuesday and played the full 10 minutes in two separate scrimmages. He is still trying to strengthen his conditioning after missing two practices and took extra shots after practice at the Warriors' facility.

When asked if his rhythm was affected, Thompson said: "I don't think so. We had so much time to get it back."

Thompson averaged 21.7 points, 3.2 points, 2.9 assists and 3.1 3-pointers made per game during the regular season. He also averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, three assists and 3.5 3-pointers made in two regular-season games against the Cavaliers.

"Yesterday I was a little tired, but today I felt like I got my wind back," Thompson said.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr also said center Marreese Speights is cleared from a calf injury and is expected to play in Game 1. Speights last played in Game 3 of the second-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies and missed the Western Conference finals. Speights averaged 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds during the regular season.

Kerr will have three big men to choose from off the bench in Speights, Festus Ezeli and David Lee.

"Mo is good to go," Kerr said. "He has had two good practices in a row. He will likely play in this series. It's just a question of how the rotations unfold, matchups and that kind of stuff. Festus has played very well. David has had some good moments, particularly against Memphis.

"Every series is a little different and matchups are different. We have to mix and match and find the combinations that work."