Why Klay Thompson is absolutely a Top 75 player ever

The Legend of Game 6 Klay

Game 6 Klay is the stuff of legend. A moniker that’s almost mystical – and an illustration of Thompson at the peak of his powers. Forget about the Top 75, the Game 6 version of Klay Thompson is closer to the top 10.

I mentioned earlier that Thompson holds the record for most threes in an NBA game. He also holds the record for most threes in a playoff game.

As the Warriors faced elimination in the 2016 Western Conference Finals, Thompson knocked down 11 three-pointers and scored 41 points, to force a Game 7. A performance that not only saved the Warriors’ season but also changed the course of NBA history. Kevin Durant decided to pack his bags and join the Warriors that summer as a result – and we all know how that turned out.

Game 6 in Oklahoma City birthed the legend of Game 6 Klay. Thompson’s Game 6 outputs since have included 35 points and 9 threes in the 2018 Western Conference Finals – and 27 points with the series sealing three in the 2019 Conference Semifinals.

Though no moment was more legendary than Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Thompson was rolling and had already scored 30 points before landing awkwardly on his left knee late in the third quarter.

We later learned that Thompson had suffered a torn ACL on this play. Yet, he stood tall in the aftermath and sunk both free throws before reluctantly exiting the floor. We haven’t seen Klay Thompson on an NBA court since.

Clutch, as tough as they come, and at times just flat-out nuclear. A player absolutely built for the big occasion – and more than deserving of a place on the 75th Anniversary team.