“If not you, then it’s your brother…” In Sacramento, we don’t necessarily know the fable of the Wolf and the Lamb, but we know the “Splash Brothers” better. And when it’s not Stephen Curry who punishes them, it’s his “brother” Klay Thompson who takes over.
Like last night with a decisive Thompson in the “money time”, and not only by his “game winner” with 0.2 seconds to go.
Because before that, the Warriors’ rear had already hurt the Kings very badly. Like on this pass for Draymond Green to bring the Warriors back to one unit (95-94) two minutes from the end. Then we find the two, this time with Green passing for the finish of Thompson (97-96), who scores under the circle despite two defenders. Finally, there is this “punch” defense on Harrison Barnes, with a big tap on the ball, and above all a violation of the 24 seconds.
In 7th heaven!
“It was a huge action”confirms Green, just as decisive with a big tarpaulin on Malik Monk. “Not letting Harrison take his chance was important, and then the 24-second violation allowed us to get our offense going. Usually the basketball gods reward you when you do things like that.”
The “basketball gods” will be with Thompson for this last shot, scored at the last second. A real “game winner” since the Kings still led by one point. “ Every time we register a great “game winner”, we are in seventh heaven” reacts the hero of the evening. “If anyone says otherwise, they’re a liar. It’s an incredible feeling. I could have played better, but it’s a great win, and it’s a wonderful feeling. »
Three counters!
Author of 14 points, 6 of 15 on shots, Thompson was indeed not having a great night, but he saved the best for last with a 3 of 4 on shots in the 4th quarter. “I didn’t shoot as well as I would have liked tonight, but I held on defensively,” continues Thompson. “And that’s why I was able to make that shot at the end.” With 2 interceptions and above all 3 blocks, Thompson actually had a lot of influence on this side of the field.
Author of incredible career exploits, Thompson is on the other hand not a specialist in winning baskets. This is only his third career, and the previous one, which dated from 2018, was already against the Kings!
“He’s taken a million big shots over the years.” exaggerates Steve Kerr. “But scoring one with 0.2 seconds to go when you’re down is a thrill for anyone, no matter how many times you’ve done it before. I’m really happy for Klay. He put in a lot of effort this summer and the season started off a little slow for him in camp. But he’s finding his rhythm, and it was obviously a great action. »
