“I Didn’t Close Game 5 of the Finals”: Draymond Green Rescues Klay Thompson After Harsh Late-Game Snub

The Golden State Warriors took home a much-needed win with a late-night thriller against the Brooklyn Nets. Stephen Curry did what he does usually, leading the team’s offense. But it wasn’t his Splash Brother Klay Thompson, who lent him the supporting hand. It was the rising star, Jonathan Kuminga. Moreover, Klay wasn’t even in the picture during the last seven minutes of the game.

Head coach Steve Kerr took the bold call once again to bench Thompson in the crunch time. This decision came in despite the absence of Andrew Wiggins in the game. It was Steph, Kuminga, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Gui Santos, who took the court in the final few minutes. This new mix went on to win the game and the reporters were all over Thompson, seeking his response.

It was visibly clear that Thompson wasn’t happy with his performance and the late-game snub. The reporters in the locker room further rubbed it on his face to get a reaction. Fortunately, Green came in to rescue his teammate. While one of the reporters asked him about getting benched, DrayMagic from off the camera said, “I didn’t close Game 5 of the Finals. Who the f*** cares?”

While it wasn’t clear which Finals Green referred to, the 33-year-old wanted to lift the spirits of his sullen teammate. He played 30 minutes in the game and was able to drop only 8 points with a 4-9 FG.

This is the second time in this season where Kerr benched Klay Thompson for the crunch time. Last time Thompson backed it up with a positive response compared to tonight’s glum response. He said, “At the end of the day, I’m one of the most competitive people to put this uniform on. But whatever. I guess I didn’t bring it tonight. I deserved it.”

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Meanwhile, Stephen Curry dropped a positive statement, encouraging his Splash Brother.

Steph backs Klay despite his slump

It’s a no-brainer that the Warriors are the most successful team in the last decade. They reached six Finals and claimed 4 rings. And Klay, Steph and Green were the only constant in the mix.

Now that the media attention has fallen on Thompson, following his slump this year, Curry stepped in to defend him during the post-game press conference. He said, “The way this game works, there is ebbs and flows. There is a down phase in the season… You have to stay locked in, stay ready. I haven’t talked to him specifically about it… It’s about staying positive and staying ready… just stay in, everything just comes back around.”

The Warriors might look to press the gas, as the season moves into the second half. Even Klay might get into his groove right before the postseason.

Watch This Story –  “Gave Me Chills”: Klay Thompson Joins Stephen Curry and Other Warriors in Relishing Estranged Teammate’s Return

What do you make of Draymond Green’s act to step up for his teammate? Let us know in the comments below.