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Kendra AndrewsESPN
SAN FRANCISCO Kevon LooneySteve Adams was defeated to secure the long rebound Stephen CurryHis missed 3-point attempt. He threw the ball a few yards to his right. Klay Thompson. Thompson was quick to catch the ball and shoot it, resulting in a 28-foot 3 pointer.
This was the shot that got the Warriors to their 110 -96 win over Grizzlies in Game 6, and sent them back into the Western Conference finals for first time since 2019.
Thompson stated, “It’s very special.” It’s an amazing opportunity, considering everything we’ve done in the past few years.
Thompson has a special relationship to Game 6s during the playoffs. In six of his seven Game 6s, he scored at least 25.
Thompson scored 30 points in the Warriors’ game against the Grizzlies on 11-of-22 shooting. He also made eight 3s. He also grabbed 8 rebounds.
How did this Game 6 victory feel?
Thompson stated that it felt better. It’s difficult to describe the feeling of being able to compete at the highest level, and to be part of the last four teams, especially with the perspective that I’ve gained through my injuries.
This one was a punctuation to Thompson’s comeback season. It saw Thompson, just a few months ago, hunched on the bench with a towel over his head and wishing he could get back on the floor.
Stephen Curry stated that “from the first shot he hit,” it was like this. It’s what Curry has been looking forward to ever since he was hurt back in the 2019 Finals. It’s an entirely different experience. It’s a different kind of energy. It’s great to see him get off, especially in front our home crowd.
According to Draymond GreenThere is a correlation between Thompson’s absence of two years and the Warriors’ two-year hiatus in the conference finals.
Thompson’s shot is what most Warriors fans miss the most. However, Thompson’s shooting also cost them an irreplaceable competitive advantage.
“I tell you’all all of the time. [Thompson is]Green stated that Green was one of the most tough and competitive men I have ever played with. “And it showed itself tonight. He was on fire, and you knew it right away.
Thompson wasn’t alone in Friday’s performance that marked a revitalized year. Looney Andrew WigginsThese were the X-factors for the Warriors.
Looney shares a similar injury-prone past to Thompson. Looney’s injuries were not as severe as Thompson’s ACL and Achilles tears, which resulted in a two year hiatus. Looney’s injuries were spread over the course of his career. Looney was the only player to participate in all 82 regular season games this season.
Looney was placed back in the starting line-up after being on the bench for four of the series’ first games. To combat Memphis’ frontcourt, Looney had to bring more size to the Warriors. Jaren Jackson Jr. Adams.
Looney played the entire fourth quarter and he was there for 35 minutes. He grabbed 22 rebounds, half of them offensive, which is a record. Golden State, as a whole, grabbed 70 rebounds. 44 of these were offensive.
Thompson stated that Kevon Olajuwon should be Kevon’s name. Because he was a freak. The man has elastic arms. He can only stretch.”
Curry and Green ultimately decided to put Looney back in the starting lineup. Green stated that the Warriors were being physically dominated in the paint towards the end of Game 5. This was the beginning of the discussion.
Green stated that “We knew we had to get out there and establish an inner presence to kick off the game,” and that they didn’t need to worry about scoring. “They made it clear that their goal was to beat us up and they were doing a very good job. Loon’s return to the lineup made all that possible.
Wiggins had his best year since he was drafted with the No. Wiggins was the No. 1 overall pick in 2014. He was the All-Star Game’s first starter.
Curry and Jordan PooleWiggins, despite struggling, brought the Warriors the level of aggression they need. He ended the night with 18 points. 10 rebounds. Three blocks. One steal. His defense was game-changing as he held the Grizzlies to only 2-of-15 shooting for five point offense.
Thompson stated that Andrew was “special”. Thompson said that he made many big threes for us. He was a great player, a huge bucket, and a double-double. He is a tremendous player for us. Andrew has a huge impact on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball each night. Without Andrew, we wouldn’t be where are now.”
Although the game isn’t beautiful, it can be described as a good one. The Warriors had a difficult time with turnovers, as they have throughout all series. They were able to commit 19 for 18 Memphis point. Along with 25 points, this is the result of a struggle by the Warriors to turnover — as they have all series — committing 19 for 18 Memphis points. Desmond Baneand 30 from Dillon BrooksThose were the Grizzlies’ mainstays.
However, they relied on their championship genes to make the right shots in crucial moments just as the Warriors did with Games 1 and 4. With just over six minutes left, the Grizzlies were leading 89-87. The Warriors scored 23-7 to win the remainder of the game.
Curry stated, “It’s amazing knowing what we’ve gone through the last few years, and six of the last eight, it’s possible to play for the finals.” Curry stated, “Never take this for granted. Understand that this is what it’s about. Then, for us to have the opportunity to win four more and to be able to play for a trophy again, that’s very special.”