While the Rockets are breathing down their necks, the Warriors gave themselves a nice breath of fresh air with this 113-92 victory on the Miami floor. Certainly, the Heat were very weak, but any victory is worth taking. Especially when you're fighting to get the play-in, and this success was marked by the return of Klay Thompson in the starting five. A winning return on a collective level therefore, but also individually since the “Splash Brother” finished the match with 28 points.
“I would like to repeat this performance because these matches are so crucial” he reacted, referring to the next meeting in Orlando. “We have 11 matches left, and we want to finish as best as possible, whether that means winning 9, 10 or even 11 matches if that’s feasible.” With a paper plane in hand, Thompson is relishing this time of the season, with games at stake.
Inspired by the climate in Florida
“We can't be intimidated by what awaits us… We have to take each match, one after the other. The most important thing is to have fun and give your all. When we behave like this, we accept every outcome. »
Of Bahamian descent, Thompson said he was inspired by the climate in Florida. “There’s something about that tropical air that relaxes you” he smiles. “It was a game we absolutely had to win, and I'm really happy with the way we reacted after the tough defeat in Minnesota. »
What did he think of this return as a starter? While he averaged 19.8 points coming off the bench, did he change his routine when he learned that he was regaining his place in the starting five? ” Not really. I tried to keep the same approach: have fun, communicate and find good positions. »
Stephen Curry is proud of his “brother”
Asked about this strong choice, to put Thompson back in his starting five, Steve Kerr warns that it is one-off. “I felt like we needed to spread the play out more to start the game. Which doesn't necessarily mean it will be like this all the time. But tonight I thought it was important. »
Perhaps Thompson will return to the bench tonight against the Magic, but Stephen Curry seemed delighted to find his “Splash Brother”, and he congratulates him for his ability to adapt.
“It’s to his credit that he’s able to respond to whatever he’s asked to do this year, whether he’s coming off the bench or starting,” Curry insists. “Most people think it's easy to move from one to the other, but that's not the case. You have to prepare your head – and your body – to be ready to face whatever comes your way. It’s a credit to him, his attitude and his preparation, to go out on the field and play the way he does. »
