2015 – when Klay Thompson single-handedly dominated the matchup against the Kings, scoring a massive 37 points in a single quarter. 2016 – when “Game 6 Klay” delivered an NBA playoff record performance with 41 points and 11 3s against OKC in the WCF. The same year, once again, saw him showcase a groundbreaking act. The Indiana Pacers were Stephen Curry and Co.’s victims on December 5 when the sharpshooter went off the rails with 60 points in 29 minutes!

Of course, all you hardcore Warriors loyalists will have much more instances to share when it comes to one of the most iconic duos in NBA history. In all the above instances, Steph Curry was right beside his Splash Brother, looking as proud as could be. He understood why Jerry West stood his ground when the Dubs toyed with the idea of trading him for Kevin Love.

And now, Klay Thompson is not a part of the Golden State, nor will we see the Sea Captain pull up in his beloved ‘Nordic Knife’ for work and practice. The 4x champion decided to travel 1731 miles away from the Bay Area, looking for a fresh start and hopefully a fifth title with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving at Dallas. Curry already made his feelings clear about how much he would miss him.

But it seems like Steph still finds it hard to imagine a Dubs core without the goofy, mischievous 34-year-old whom he had come to love as a brother. “Having Klay head on to Dallas, it’s tough. It’s something that I never imagined would be a reality,” Stephen Curry admitted to Malika Andrews on ESPN.

“But you want him to be happy. You want him to be able to enjoy the game of basketball. It does suck losing Klay, and there’s no two ways about it. So you have to be able to celebrate what we accomplished but then be able to move on.”

Steve Kerr, for his part, though had a different outlook.

Coach Kerr’s reply was laced with uncertainty, curiosity, and emotion as he bid goodbye to Klay Thompson

Yes, Kerr did have a similar line of thought to Stephen Curry. However, there were also mixed emotions. “When the season starts next year it’s going to be really weird. And I know we’re all going to have that date circled when he comes back to Chase. That will be one of the strangest, most emotional nights of all of our careers, for sure.” 

The man coached Klay for 10 out of his 13 years with the GSW. Kerr knows just what Thompson is capable of when he puts his mind to it. He was there when KT put up spectacular performances like the ones we mentioned above. Kerr was also there when a 28-year-old Klay suffered back-to-back injuries. And the 58-year-old coach was still there watching one of the greatest 3-point shooters struggle with a decline in his performances.

Going against every fiber of his being, Kerr forced himself to bench Klay for the first time in 12 years in 2023.

Whatever his feelings for the 2011 rookie may be, the 9x NBA champion (5 as a player and 4 as a coach) had responsibilities and duties to carry out. We don’t have to remind you just how disappointing the Splash Brothers’ final year turned out. It was painfully obvious that Klay Thompson was not happy anymore at the Bay. Nor was he happy with the Warriors‘ management.

The only way was the way out. And Klay Thompson finally took that plunge.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what brand maker, Leonard Armato, had to say about the deadly duo, Shaq and Kobe, check out this exclusive video by EssentiallySports.