The clash of the top two Western Conference teams was bound to be a showdown. The defending champions the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns matched in a throwdown. Stephen Curry and the crew fell behind by six points at the half. However, that wasn’t their biggest loss. In the third quarter, a trash-talking match between Devin Booker and Klay Thompson proved to be heavy. The former All-Star faced his first career ejection as he was visibly angry with the officials.
The basketball world knows Thompson to be one one of the most lethal shooters in the history of the NBA. Partnering with Curry, their backcourt duo often meant lights out for the opposition. However, after his injury plague in the previous two seasons, the four-time champion has arguably slowed down. Likewise, his outing against the Suns tonight was a show of true struggle.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It seems the rough times got to Klay Thompson. After receiving a technical for a little trash talk, he imploded on the referees. His outburst made the officials send him for an early shower for the first time in his 10-year career.
Stephen Curry watches Klay Thompson get his first career ejection
After a stellar play by the Warriors, the two shooting guards verbally went at each other. Thompson and Booker both exchanged words. And as it was not stopping, the refs had to step in. However, the two didn’t back down despite the warnings. This forced the NBA referees to assess each of them with a technical foul for their conduct. While Devin Booker walked it off, Thompson wasn’t a happy customer.
Coming off a 1-8 night, it all culminated in a moment of rage for the five-time All-Star. A struggling Klay Thompson went berserk on the officials which got him his second technical foul and a maiden career ejection. However, NBA Twitter was left in shambles.
Here are some of the reactions:
Ejected??? Come on @NBA y’all soft as hell. That’s just some good ole shit talking. https://t.co/PjCkiYTDiJ
— Warren Littlefield (@dubsb310) October 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/AirmanSandoval/status/1585120594030637058?s=20&t=31Krv894iwu0A0sHZFIjcg
These refs have been a$$ ALL NIGHT against the Warriors #sunspayrefs? https://t.co/VoKzgZF92j
— Cameron Rivers (@camrivers42) October 26, 2022
Refs so soft for ending this early. https://t.co/HGWSsLudVO
— Tucker Melton (@tuckermelton5) October 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/dlswander/status/1585113376623300609?s=20&t=31Krv894iwu0A0sHZFIjcg
That was the first ejection of Klay Thompson's career in 759 regular season/playoff games.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 26, 2022
Klay said 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/pZ2AuatD9l
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 26, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As for the Warriors, their momentum withered away. A six-point deficit turned into 16 in no time as the Phoenix Suns rallied behind the intense energy in their home arena. However, the game-changing stat might be the free throw difference. Suns went to the line 28 times in the game. On the other hand, the Warriors could salvage just 15 attempts.
WATCH THIS STORY: ?Russell Westbrook vs Stephen Curry, what do the numbers say on who is the better point guard?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the defending champions have produced some dramatic miracles in recent history, tonight simply wasn’t their night. However, the next time they face, Klay Thompson might be at his most dangerous with vengeance running on his mind.
Do you think the Golden State Warriors will avenge this loss the next time they see the Suns? Let us know your views in the comment below.