Clippers’ Patrick Beverley (left calf) leaves game

Klay Thompson was on the bench down the stretch of the Golden State Warriors loss at the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Thompson said it felt “strange” to be on the bench in the clutch, but that it was “deserved”.

Thompson said, “I’ve been playing like crap” when asked about not being in the game late. He said Warriors coach Steve Kerr didn’t give him an explanation for the benching, but that he doesn’t need one either.

“I trust Steve. I trust Steve now and forever will,” Thompson said.

The veteran guard is in the midst of the worst season of his career. Thompson is shooting under 40% from the field for the first time, as he’s at 39.7% on the season. Thompson is also at a career-worst from behind the arc at 34.3%. That’s led to the long-time Warrior averaging 15.4 points, which is Thompson’s lowest mark since his rookie season.