Steph Curry and Klay Thompson’s Shootout Was Exactly What NBA Fans Needed

Author: Jon Alba
Warriors star Steph Curry outlasted Klay Thompsons

Tuesday saw not just the beginning of the second-annual NBA Cup, but a matchup basketball fans have waited since April for. Thankfully, it did not disappoint.

Klay Thompson’s departure from the Golden State Warriors was long-expected, but incredibly impactful in that signaled the true end of the iconic Warriors dynasty that produced four NBA Championships. The sharpshooter paired with future Hall of Famer Steph Curry to create one of the most fearsome duos in NBA history from beyond the arc, cementing a championship legacy in the Bay Area that will stand for generations to come.

Thompson dealt with multiple severe injuries over the last four years and departed for the Dallas Mavericks this past offseason. Tuesday night saw his Mavs matchup with the Warriors for the first time since the move, and the drama did not disappoint. Thompson received a warm ovation from the Golden State faithful pregame.

The game saw Thompson and Curry trade blows, with each attempting to one-up the other after nailing a big shot. Slowly, the animosity began to get slightly more personal.

The finish would prove to be déjà vu for Thompson, who has seen Curry hit so many big 3’s over the course of his career. Golden State led Dallas by one with less than 30 seconds to play, when the ball ended up in Steph’s hands.

Golden State won the game 120-117. Curry finished with a game-high 37 points, while Thompson logged 22 in his return. Afterward, it was clear some trash-talking had occurred between the two, though it was likely odd for Thompson to be on that side of a Steph Curry dagger.

Warriors big man Draymond Green added some clarity Wednesday, adding it stemmed from some petty off-the-court drama.

The Warriors are off to a 9-2 start to the season and appear ready to challenge Dallas for the crown of Kings of the West.

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