Klay Thompson’s incredible Game 6 performance against the relentless Memphis Grizzlies was a statement. He had made it to the hardwood after spending 941 days off of it. More importantly, he’d made the postseason with the Golden State Warriors who had taken a beating without him the last couple of seasons despite Stephen Curry’s consistent outings.
It was quintessential Klay, drilling 30 points in the Warriors’ 110-96 drubbing against the Grizzlies who had forced a sixth game. It was one of those performances that the Warriors will remember irrespective of the outcome against the Dallas Mavericks or whoever they meet should they make the NBA Finals.
Safe to say, Memphis shed light on some of the glaring weaknesses of the Warriors, something Dallas will make note of. But proving everyone wrong was Klay. He was in rhythm, he had the cliched fire in the belly, and by the end of the evening, those outstretched muscled arms in celebration were deserved and worth it.
Then there was Curry. The six games against the Grizzlies saw him total 156 points, 29 rebounds, and 35 assists. He had logged in roughly around 214 minutes for those figures and the end result was a date with Luka Dončić and his Mavericks, who have balled impressively in the playoffs.
It’s a no-brainer to say that Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry are crucial for the Golden State Warriors, especially from an offensive standpoint.
Championship DNA plays a crucial part in the finals. What works in their favor is experience. Both these veterans have been around the league and won three rings together.
They know what it takes to win, and most importantly win without giving the Mavs a chance to claw their way back. Nothing against the rest of the side that has proven and comprises equally exciting matchwinners, but in the end, if it does boil down to making shots and closing out quarters, it’s one of these two.
Note that the side is making the summit after two editions where they failed to make the postseason.
It’s not been all rosy for either of these stalwarts. Curry had his share of being sloppy before switching back to his usual self. The same applies to Thompson who, despite a stellar Game 6 had missed his share and forced some shots.
The inconsistencies have been laid bare. Especially for Curry, when Memphis sans Ja Morant tightened their defenses and made life difficult in the pick-and-roll. For Thompson, much has been about his shooting form that’s been erratic before he launched those 3s to end with a good total and send the Grizzlies packing.
If the Mavs indeed pip Golden State, they’ll do it defensively, and only time will tell if Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry can breach the fort. What’s for sure, this WCF will be a humdinger.