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During the five-game NBA Finals series between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Klay Thompson showed flashes of his scoring brilliance that was akin to his electric performances back in the Warriors' championship run in 2014-15.
Thompson had his best performance in Game 3 of this year's Finals, scoring 30 points on 6-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc in what would result to Golden State's most crucial victory of the series; a down-the-wire, 118-113 win in Cleveland.
While that victory is mostly associated with Kevin Durant‘s dagger of a three-pointer in the waning seconds of the contest, there's no doubt that Thompson played just as huge a role as Durant. And even prior to having his moments in the Finals spotlight, many fans have already speculated that this year's title run might be the last for the 27-year-old sharpshooter as a member of the Warriors.
However as Zach Lowe pointed out in a recent interview for ESPN, Thompson is very much comfortable with his role as one of the key cogs to Golden State's well-oiled machine, rather than vying to become the team's main driving engine.
“I don't feel like I sacrificed at all… I'd rather be a part of something that could leave a legacy. There is more to basketball than getting yours, or being the guy. I hope I do this for a long time for the Warriors.”
That's got to be music to the ears of the Warriors management and the franchise's fans. Here's a guy who's willing to take a step back as the third or maybe even fourth scoring option-slash-attraction, all for the sake of winning more titles for his beloved team.
Thompson pretty much embodies the Warriors' winning culture this season with that quote. He plays unselfish basketball, but steps up and delivers in spades when his number is called. He still has two years left on his contract with Golden State, and the Dubs will definitely benefit from having him waiting in the wings to sink more crucial buckets rather than seeking out better options on the market in his place this offseason.
Klay, similar to his name, is like a wonder putty that can be utilized in all sorts of situations. The Warriors best know that to take him out of the equation would likely mean that their team wouldn't be as stable as it was with him serving as the glue to the entire machine.
