Klay Thompson: The Splash Brother Who Redefined Basketball Excellence
** **Setting the Scene**
Klay Thompson is one of the most exciting shooters in NBA history. As a major part of the Golden State Warriors, he has helped convert the organization into a contemporary dynasty alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant. Known for his smooth three-point shooting, lockdown defense, and clutch performances, Thompson has secured his status as one of the best shooting guards of all time.
In this blog article, we’ll cover Klay Thompson’s career, his role within the Warriors' team, and his five most legendary moments that have left fans in wonder.
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## **Klay Thompson’s Career Overview**
Drafted 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson soon emerged as a star. Alongside Stephen Curry, he established the renowned "Splash Brothers" tandem, revolutionized basketball with their extraordinary three-point shooting.
### **Golden State Warriors Roster (Current Season)**
As of the 2023-24 season, the Warriors have **14 players** on their active roster, including:
1. Stephen Curry
2. Klay Thompson
3. Draymond Green
4. Andrew Wiggins
5. Chris Paul
6. Jonathan Kuminga
7. Gary Payton II
8. Kevon Looney
9. Moses Moody
10. Brandin Podziemski 11. Dario Šarić 12. Trayce Jackson-Davis
13. Lester Quiñones 14. Usman Garuba
Thompson is a cornerstone of the club, offering excellent shooting and veteran leadership.
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## **Klay Thompson’s 5 Most Iconic NBA Moments**
### **1. 37 Points in a Single Quarter (2015)** **Date:** January 23, 2015 **Opponent:** Sacramento Kings
One of the biggest scoring outbursts in NBA history, Klay Thompson hit **37 points in the third quarter** against the Sacramento Kings. He hit a perfect **13-for-13 from the field, including 9-for-9 from three-point range**, shattering the NBA record for most points in a single quarter.
This performance displayed his unconscious shooting skill and reinforced his status as one of the most dangerous scorers in the league.
### **2. Game 6 vs. OKC – The Comeback (2016 Western Conference Finals)** **Date:** May 28, 2016 **Opponent:** Oklahoma City Thunder
Facing elimination in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, Thompson delivered one of the greatest clutch performances in postseason history. He scored **41 points**, including **11 three-pointers** (an NBA playoff record at the time), leading the Warriors to a **108-101 victory**.
His heroics forced a Game 7, which Golden State won, completing a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
### **3. 60 Points in 29 Minutes (2016)** **Date:** December 5, 2016 **Opponent:** Indiana Pacers
In only **29 minutes of play**, Klay Thompson exploded for **60 points** against the Indiana Pacers. He accomplished it on **21-of-33 shooting** (8-of-14 from three) and only dribbled **11 times** the whole game.
This remains one of the most efficient scoring efforts ever, illustrating that Thompson could dominate without needing to control the ball.
### **4. 2018 NBA Finals Game 6 – Playing Through Injury** **Date:** June 8, 2018 **Opponent:** Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite suffering a **high-ankle sprain** in Game 1, Thompson returned in Game 6 and dropped **20 points** (4-of-8 from three) to help secure the Warriors’ third title in four years.
His resilience and desire to play despite discomfort emphasized his passion to victory.
### **5. Return from Injury – 2022 Championship Run** ** Date:** January 9, 2022 (Return) – June 2022 (Finals)
After missing **two complete seasons** due to an ACL rupture (2019) and an Achilles injury (2020), Thompson made a spectacular return in 2022. He had a significant part in the Warriors’ **2022 NBA Championship**, including a **32-point explosion in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals** against the Memphis Grizzlies.
His comeback story remains one of the most remarkable in NBA history.
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## **Conclusion** Klay Thompson’s career has been defined by **record-breaking shooting, clutch performances, and resilience**. From his 37-point quarter to his heroic playoff exploits, he has confirmed himself as an all-time great.
As the Golden State Warriors continue their search for more titles, Thompson remains a critical element of their success. His reputation as a **Splash Brother, champion, and fan favorite** is permanently carved in NBA history.
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