Dad says Klay Thompson 'on track' to return to Warriors for finals

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson is feeling better and on track to return for the NBA Finals next week after taking a knee to his head from Trevor Ariza that caused ''concussion-like symptoms.''

That's according to Thompson's father, former NBA player Mychal Thompson. He told The Associated Press on Thursday night that his son's energy was up and his appetite was back, but he still needs to pass the league-mandated concussion protocol.

Thompson was scheduled to be evaluated by a neurologist Friday.

Mychal Thompson said his son vomited a couple of times and he had to drive him home after the Warriors eliminated the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals on Wednesday night. The All-Star guard also needed stitches on his right ear after the hit caused blood to spew down the side of his face.

Asked to describe the difference in his son's status a day later, Mychal Thompson said ''Antarctica to the jungles of Brazil.'' He said his son should be cleared to play at some point before Game 1 against Cleveland next Thursday night.

''I'm not a doctor, but if I'm going to guess in layman's terms, yeah I think so,'' Mychal Thompson said. ''He seems to be feeling better by the hour.''

The Warriors initially said Thompson did not show any signs of a concussion and could've returned. The team later said he began not feeling well after the game and showed ''concussion-like symptoms.''

The Warriors were off Thursday and the team did not release any update on Thompson's status.

Thompson faked a shot that drew Ariza in the air early in the fourth quarter. He absorbed Ariza's knee to the side of his head, sending him to the floor.

Thompson, who finished with 20 points, lay on the ground for a minute before walking to the locker room. He came back to the bench after receiving stitches on his ear.

The Warriors won 104-90.