Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Klay Thompson earned Michael Jordan comparisons after
scoring 30 points to help the Golden State Warriors eliminate the
Memphis Grizzlies from the 2022 NBA playoffs on Friday night.
NBA Memes @NBAMemes
Klay Thompson when it’s Game 6 pic.twitter.com/GHkMLffByu
Thompson knocked down 11 of his 22
shots, including eight of his 14 three-point attempts, to go along
with eight rebounds, three blocks and two assists in 42 minutes as
the Warriors rolled to a 110-96 victory in Game 6.
Thompson posted four images on his Instagram story in reference to a Jay-Z verse after the win:
ClutchPoints @ClutchPointsApp
Jackson.
Tyson.
Jordan.
Game 6.Klay Thompson on IG after the Warriors win 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/PU8iQjU9nT
The five-time All-Star is no stranger
to standout performances in the sixth game of a postseason series, as showcased by ESPN Stats & Info:
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
There is something different about Klay Thompson in Game 6.
Since 2016, Thompson has played in 6 Game 6s, averaging almost 28 points and hitting 54% of his 3-pointers.
Thompson and the Warriors look to close out the Grizzlies at 10 ET on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/AUJVFVQIIW
This time it helped Golden State punch
its ticket to the Western Conference Finals, where it’ll battle either
the Phoenix Suns or Dallas Mavericks, who face off in a Game 7 on
Sunday.
Thompson, who missed the past two
seasons because of ACL and Achilles injuries, said Friday’s outing
was more special given everything he’s gone through to reach this
point.
“It felt better,” the
32-year-old Los Angeles native told reporters. “Especially the
perspective I’ve gained from the injuries I’ve had, to be able to
compete at the highest level and be one of the final four teams, it’s
a feeling that’s hard to describe.”
NBA @NBA
GAME.
SIX.
KLAY. pic.twitter.com/wvYr6gkQNH
The Washington State product also
earned high praise from his teammates, including longtime running
mates Draymond Green and Stephen Curry.
“I tell y’all all the time,
[Thompson is] one of the toughest guys and most competitive guys I’ve
ever played with—no, probably the toughest and most competitive
player I’ve ever played with,” Green said. “And it showed
up tonight. You knew right away he was coming out fire.”
Curry added: “From the first shot
he hit, it was like this—it’s what he’s been looking forward to
since he got hurt back in the 2019 Finals. It’s a different joy. It’s
a different energy. When you see him getting off, especially in front
of our home crowd, it’s just fun to watch.”
Here’s a look at some more reaction to Thompson’s performance:
95.7 The Game @957thegame
Kevon Looney on Klay Thompson: “It’s great. He lives up to his reputation. Whenever we need him in big games, he always shows up… We were all excited to see Game 6 Klay show up and he did.”
Warriors on NBCS @NBCSWarriors
The Man. The Myth. The Legend … GAME 6 KLAY pic.twitter.com/T9gliPVLG8
Shea Serrano @SheaSerrano
klay thompson hitting big shots in the playoffs is like a jumping into a giant swimming pool full of the softest teddy bears except but for your heart
Joe Viray @JoeVirayNBA
This is the Klay Thompson that’s punished teams for selling out on Steph Curry.
Josiah Johnson @KingJosiah54
Klay pulling up for Game 6 pic.twitter.com/RhWbNUWCXo
Alfonzo McKinnie @_Alvo_
Y’all know Game 6 Klay different
Jamal Murray @BeMore27
GIVE IT TO KLAY ‼️💦
The Warriors’ last two seasons were
derailed by injuries, but they are now back in the thick of the
championship hunt and have looked downright unstoppable on offense at times
in the early stages of the playoffs.
Having “Game 6 Klay” in their back pocket
is just an added bonus as their pursuit of a fourth NBA championship
since 2015 continues in the coming weeks.
