For 13 remarkable seasons, Klay Thompson has been synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, delivering unforgettable performances and contributing to four NBA championships. His meteoric rise and astounding feats on the court have earned him a well-deserved spot in NBA lore, with the Warriors planning to retire his No. 11 jersey as a testament to his impact.
Thompson’s tenure with the Warriors is peppered with memorable moments that highlight his scoring prowess. In the 2016 Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thompson's heroics in Game 6 stand out. He scored 22 points in the fourth quarter alone, finishing the game with 41 points. His 11 three-pointers set an NBA playoff record, a feat etched in the annals of NBA history. Additionally, Thompson once scored 37 points in a single quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2014, making all 13 of his shots, including nine three-pointers.
One of Thompson's most efficient performances came in 2016 when he scored 60 points against the Chicago Bulls on just 11 dribbles. He replicated similar efficiency against the New York Knicks by scoring 43 points on only four dribbles. January 2019 saw another display of Thompson’s impeccable shooting when he made 10 consecutive three-pointers to start a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing with 44 points on an astonishing 17-of-20 shooting.
Thompson’s incredible contributions were momentarily halted by a severe injury. In Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, he suffered an ACL tear but not before scoring 30 points in 32 minutes. True to his competitive spirit, Thompson returned to the court to sink two free throws despite his injury, a moment that left many observers remarking, "You knew immediately Thompson was hurt." This resilient act was a "statement about Thompson's confidence and character," according to analysts. Unfortunately, this injury necessitated a long recovery period of two and a half years, a significant challenge for the sharpshooter.
Thompson's return to the court on January 9, 2022, was eagerly anticipated by Warriors fans who had endured two years of struggle without him. In his comeback game, he scored 17 points, affirming that the time away had only sharpened his resolve. "The time away made him appreciate the opportunity to compete for a championship and play on the biggest stages even more," Thompson reflected.
Thompson's influence was further evident in the 2022 playoffs, where he scored 30 points and made eight three-pointers in Game 6 against the Memphis Grizzlies. Observers noted, "This performance certainly made Warriors fans appreciate Thompson even more." Indeed, the sentiment among Warriors faithful was clear: "Warriors fans appreciate Thompson even more after two years of struggle without him."
Throughout his illustrious career, Thompson has showcased an uncanny ability to perform under pressure, along with a flair for the dramatic. His victory in the 2016 3-point contest during All-Star Weekend, where he made his final eight shots, is another testament to his shooting skill and mental fortitude. Moreover, his adaptability was on display when he scored 35 points off the bench after being removed from the starting lineup for the first time since his rookie year.
Beyond his statistics, Klay Thompson embodies the spirit of resilience, excellence, and loyalty that has endeared him to fans and peers alike. His journey, marked by monumental highs and arduous lows, continues to inspire many within the basketball community. As Thompson laces up for another season, his legacy as a Warrior is already cemented, promising fans and the sport more thrilling chapters to come.