Klay Thompson is sometimes the unforgotten star of the Golden State Warriors, but in Game 6 on Saturday night, he reminded everyone just how important he is to the team's success.
If it wouldn't have been for Thompson's second-half outburst, Golden State's season would probably be over right now, and the Houston Rockets would be advancing to the NBA Finals. Klay Thompson hit seven three-pointers in the second half, finishing the game with nine total and a game-high 35 points. Steve Kerr was impressed with what he saw and called Thompson a machine.
“Klay was amazing tonight. Not just the 35 points and nine threes, but his defense. The guy's a machine,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said via Ben Golliver. “He's just so fit physically. He seems to thrive in these situations. But he was fantastic.”
Thompson usually quietly goes about his business, but he does have a knack for stepping up when the games mean a little more.
In an elimination Game 6 in 2016 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thompson went off for 41 points hitting 11 three-pointers.




Klay Thompson made nine 3-pointers tonight, tied for the second-highest total in postseason history. The only player with more?
How about Klay Thompson… Also in a Game 6 Western Conference Finals game while facing elimination (11 3-Pt FG in 2016 vs OKC) pic.twitter.com/hTq1B5KLjC
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 27, 2018
When Thompson was asked why he performs better in the biggest games, he said he worked hard to get moments like these.
“I don't know if I was born for it, but I definitely worked my butt off to get to this point. I mean, I guess you could say I was born for it,” Klay Thompson said while laughing via ESPN. “I guess everything happens for a reason.
The work isn't done yet for Thompson or the Warriors, and they are going to need everyone on board when they play in Game 7 on Monday.