3-point master tells you how to do it

Want to be as sharp as Klay Thompson outside the three-point arc? There is no better way to watch and learn his shot in person.

About 40 lucky fans in Beijing had the opportunity to emulate every detail of the Golden State Warrior's trademark three-point shot at the Chaoyang Sports Center on Tuesday during a mini clinic, which was part of Thompson's nine-day China tour to promote the NBA Global Games in Beijing and Shanghai in October.

Thompson shared his experience on how to shoot consistently from the perimeter during the one-hour clinic, stressing fundamentals as the key for great shooters.

The 23-year-old forward hit eight out of nine 3-point attempts against the San Antonio Spurs at the Western Conference semifinals on May 8, the first Warrior to do so in the playoffs.

Thompson said the fans' passion to basketball in Beijing impressed him and he couldn't wait to return for the preseason games.

"I am looking forward to it. It's amazing to play our game on a different continent especially in China," he said. "I am sure there will be a lot of Kobe fans and Lakers fans in the building. So it will be like away games (for us)."

The Warriors will travel to China to play the Los Angeles Lakers in Beijing's MasterCard Center on Oct 15 and in Shanghai's Mercedes Benz Arena on Oct 18 as part of NBA's overseas preseason games.

Although being eliminated by the Spurs, Thompson said the Miami Heat were the better team in the Finals.

"I originally said the Heat will win Game 7, I think they will still do that. When they must win, they get motivated and they will do their best."

Thompson, the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, envisioned that the young Warriors won't take long before making their own way to the Finals.

"I really believe we will get there in the future, it's just hard work and we have a great young team. I feel like we could've beaten the Spurs but we have to give them credit. They are there for a reason."

Thompson's Chinese itinerary also included appearances in Xi'an and Chengdu to participate in NBA Nation, a traveling fan-engaging program that hosts player clinics, autograph-signing events and fan-interactive activities in 12 Chinese cities during a three-month stretch that began in May.

(China Daily 06/20/2013 page24)