“I won’t say I’ll be rooting for him, but I’ll be watching him. The other four games we play him, I’ll be ready to go at him.” No matter how hurtful it was to bid adieu, Stephen Curry made it known that he wouldn’t back down from a battle with Klay on the hardwood. Now with the Mavs, KT has spent the last 10 games doing one thing. As Channing Tatum’s Gambit would say, he’s on a path to “make a name for myself here.” GSW has been on a jolly run possessing an 8-2 record. When the two teams clash less than 2 days from now, it will be a game to watch! Unfortunately, with the date now near, Steph seems to be getting some last-minute cold feet.
After the Warriors’ recent win against OKC Thunder, the hosts over at Warriors on NBCS asked Curry about the upcoming game. Before the host could even complete his question, the sharpshooter replied, “Don’t do this to me. Don’t do this to me, Fez.”
After the interviewers had their laugh, Stephen Curry continued, “I’m not ready for it, man. It’s gonna be a lot to look at me and look forward to, and I’m excited to see him. Obviously, as a friend. But, I’m trying to conserve all of my mental energy for Tuesday, cause it’s gonna be a lot.” The questions about the Mavs game didn’t end even when Curry reached the locker room. Fortunately, he’s a sport and was willing to share more of his thoughts.
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“Don’t do that to me, Fez!”
Steph isn’t ready for Klay’s return to the Bay on Tuesday night 😭 pic.twitter.com/JGfzrSTEG7
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 11, 2024
“I don’t know. We’ve had homecomings before, but nothing like this,” said the 36-year-old. “The level of impact and the brand of Klay in the Bay Area is something that I don’t know any word or way I explain it will do it justice.”
According to reports, Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay Area is set to be a celebration rather than a moment of awkwardness or sorrow. After all, even though they couldn’t agree on an extension deal, reportedly causing his exit, Klay’s 13 years’ worth of dedication to the Bay needs to be honored. They will give out ‘captain’s hats’ to over 18,000 attendees, reported The Stein Line.
It will be their way to send a “Salute To Captain Klay.” As highlighted by Malika Andrews, the tribute is “a nod to the commutes that Thompson would often make to Chase Center on his 37-foot fishing vessel. The idea is that fans will all take off their hats and extend them, a literal salute to the four-time champion.”
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Is Curry's hesitation a sign of respect for Klay, or is he genuinely worried about the matchup?
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On top of that, Stephen Curry is expected to address the Chase Center in honor of his brother-in-arms. This will come after they reveal Klay last in the pregame introductions. After a one-minute tribute video, observers will see Curry wearing the same cap that organizers will distribute to the attendees. He will take it off as an invitation for all 18,000 fans to join him in saluting their legend.
Tears are sure to roll down! The trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson, who ushered in the Golden era of the Bay Area in their 12 years together, will create an emotionally charged matchup. However, not everything will be bed and roses at the end of the day. After all, despite all the tributes that fans will pay to Klay, the game will still be a competitive one. The Warriors have a ‘bulldog’ on their side in the form of Draymond. And Thompson has already mentally prepared himself to face his former teammate.
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Klay reacts to Green’s “run through his chest” remark: “I’m a pretty tough guy!”
If there’s anyone who deserves to be as sad as Stephen Curry over Klay Thompson’s exit, then it is Draymond Green. However, at the end of the day, competition is competition. Back in October, Dray already laid out his plans for his former Warriors teammate, to be implemented in their upcoming game, stating, “I’m going to run through his chest.”
Well, if Kobe Bryant can do it with Pau Gasol, then why can’t the Warriors’ floor general do it with his old pal? Fortunately, Rachel Nichols made these remarks known to Klay Thompson, and the 34-year-old took it in his stride. “I’ll take the two free throws,” said the former Splash Bro. “I’m a pretty tough guy – I think I can handle it.”
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What are your thoughts on the Golden State Warriors honoring Klay Thompson, along with the individual plans that Draymond Green has laid out for him? Let us know in the comments down below.
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Is Curry's hesitation a sign of respect for Klay, or is he genuinely worried about the matchup?