The Best Backcourt In NBA History: The Story Of The Splash Brothers

Summary

This script narrates the journey of the Golden State Warriors' legendary backcourt duo, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, known as the Splash Brothers. It chronicles their rise from being underrated players to becoming central figures in the Warriors' dynasty. The story highlights their significant moments, individual achievements, and contributions to revolutionizing basketball. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, their perseverance and unique chemistry led to multiple championships. The narrative concludes with Thompson's departure, marking the end of an era but solidifying their legacy in NBA history.

Takeaways

• 🏀 Throughout NBA history, many legendary backcourts have left a memorable mark on the game.
• 🌟 The pinnacle of NBA backcourts is Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, famously known as the Splash Brothers.
• 🙌 The Splash Brothers defied expectations and became the personification of excellence through sheer will and determination.
• 🏆 The Golden State Warriors' journey to greatness includes a remarkable transformation after a disheartening 29-win season in 2009.
• 🗝️ Key moments in Warriors history include drafting Steph Curry in 2009 and Klay Thompson in 2011, marking the dawn of an extraordinary era.
• 💔 Despite severe injuries to Klay Thompson, the Splash Brothers reunited in 2022, showcasing their resilience and dedication.
• 🎯 Steph Curry and Klay Thompson set new standards in the league with their unparalleled shooting abilities, breaking numerous records.
• 🔥 The Splash Brothers played crucial roles in multiple historic performances and championship victories for the Warriors.
• 📉 Despite challenges and setbacks, including contract disputes and injuries, the legacy of the Splash Brothers remains unmatched.
• 👋 Klay Thompson's departure from the Warriors marks the end of an era, but the achievements and legacy of the Splash Brothers will resonate in the hearts of basketball fans forever.

Q & A

Who are some of the legendary backcourt duos mentioned in the script?

Some legendary backcourt duos mentioned are Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars.

Why are Steph Curry and Klay Thompson referred to as the 'Splash Brothers'?

Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are referred to as the 'Splash Brothers' due to their extraordinary shooting abilities, especially from long range, which revolutionized the game of basketball.

What significant event marked the beginning of the 'Splash Brothers' era?

The beginning of the 'Splash Brothers' era is marked by the drafting of Steph Curry in 2009 and Klay Thompson in 2011, setting the stage for their remarkable partnership.

How did the Warriors perform historically before the emergence of the 'Splash Brothers'?

Before the 'Splash Brothers', the Warriors had sporadic moments of brilliance but mostly struggled, highlighted by their last championship in 1975 and periods of being championship contenders in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

What challenges did Curry and Thompson face early in their careers?

Early in their careers, Curry and Thompson faced being underrated and overlooked, with the Warriors even considering trading them on multiple occasions, and both players dealing with injuries.

How did the 'Splash Brothers' change the landscape of the NBA?

The 'Splash Brothers' changed the NBA by setting new standards for three-point shooting, influencing teams to adopt similar playing styles, and leading the Warriors to multiple championships.

What were some of the key individual achievements of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson?

Key achievements include Curry's record-breaking 13 three-pointers in a game, Thompson's 14 three-pointers in a game, and their combined 78-point performance against the OKC Thunder.

What were some of the major injuries that affected the careers of Curry and Thompson?

Major injuries included Klay Thompson's ACL tear in the 2019 NBA Finals and his subsequent Achilles injury, as well as Steph Curry's ankle issues that almost led to him being traded.

How did Klay Thompson's return impact the Warriors in the 2022 season?

Klay Thompson's return in 2022 was symbolic and emotional, marking the reunion of the 'Splash Brothers' and helping the Warriors to reclaim their championship status despite Klay not being at his peak form.

What led to Klay Thompson's departure from the Warriors?

Klay Thompson's departure was due to frustrations with contract negotiations, feeling undervalued, and the team's decision to delay re-signing him, culminating in his decision to seek a fresh start.

Outlines

00:00

🏀 Iconic NBA Backcourts

Throughout NBA history, legendary backcourts like Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, and Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars have left a memorable mark on the game. The pinnacle of NBA backcourts, however, is Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, famously known as the Splash Brothers. Their journey to greatness is a story of underrated and overlooked players who defied expectations through sheer will and determination, becoming the epitome of excellence.

05:01

🌅 The Darkest Night Before Dawn

The Splash Brothers' rise parallels the Golden State Warriors' transformation from underdogs to champions. The 1975 Warriors, led by Rick Barry, staged a stunning upset in the NBA Finals, but the team then fell into obscurity for decades. Brief moments of brilliance, like the 'We Believe' team in 2007, offered hope. However, it wasn't until the 2009 draft, when the Warriors selected Stephen Curry, that the foundation for a new dynasty was laid.

10:03

🎯 The Arrival of Klay Thompson

Two years after drafting Curry, the Warriors selected Klay Thompson in 2011, marking the beginning of something extraordinary. Initially, Curry and Thompson barely spoke to each other, but they shared a love for shooting. Despite potential trades that nearly separated them, the duo stayed together and became known as the Splash Brothers. Their combined talents transformed the Warriors and the entire NBA.

15:04

🏆 Record-Breaking Performances

Curry and Thompson's unparalleled shooting abilities led to record-breaking performances. Curry set the NBA record for three-pointers in a game with 13 in 2016, only for Thompson to surpass him with 14 in 2018. Their feats include iconic moments like Curry's game-winning shot against OKC and Thompson's 37 points in a single quarter. These performances solidified their status as the greatest shooting duo in NBA history.

20:05

💔 Injuries and Comebacks

The Splash Brothers faced significant setbacks due to injuries. Thompson's ACL tear in the 2019 Finals and subsequent Achilles injury sidelined him, while Curry dealt with his own injuries. Despite these challenges, they remained supportive of each other. Thompson's return in 2022, after 942 days, was a poignant moment, though his performance had understandably declined. Nevertheless, he played a crucial role in the Warriors' 2022 championship run.

🌟 The Legacy of the Splash Brothers

The 2022 championship marked a triumphant return for the Splash Brothers, reaffirming their legacy. However, tensions arose regarding contracts, leading to Thompson's departure from the Warriors. Despite this, the bond between Curry and Thompson remains strong. Their achievements and the impact they've had on the NBA will be remembered forever. Curry's heartfelt message to Thompson highlighted their incredible journey and the indelible mark they've left on basketball.

Keywords

💡Splash Brothers

The term 'Splash Brothers' refers to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, renowned for their exceptional three-point shooting. Their synergy and shooting prowess revolutionized the game, making them central to the Golden State Warriors' success and the modern NBA's style of play.

💡Steph Curry

Steph Curry is a point guard for the Golden State Warriors, known for his unparalleled shooting ability. His selection in the 2009 NBA draft was a pivotal moment for the franchise, leading to multiple championships and his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

💡Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson is a shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, famous for his scoring and defensive skills. Drafted in 2011, he formed a dynamic duo with Curry, contributing significantly to the Warriors' championships and earning recognition as one of the best shooters in the league.

💡NBA Championships

The Golden State Warriors' NBA Championships highlight their dominance in recent years, with key victories in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. These championships underscore the success of the Splash Brothers and their impact on the game.

💡Three-Point Shooting

Three-point shooting, a key aspect of modern basketball, was revolutionized by Curry and Thompson. Their exceptional accuracy and volume of three-pointers changed team strategies and set new standards for offensive play in the NBA.

💡Underdogs

The term 'underdogs' reflects the Warriors' journey from being underestimated to becoming NBA champions. This narrative of overcoming adversity is exemplified by their 1975 and 2022 championship runs, highlighting their resilience and determination.

💡Injuries

Injuries have played a significant role in the Splash Brothers' story, particularly Klay Thompson's ACL and Achilles injuries, which sidelined him for extended periods. These setbacks tested the team's resilience and highlighted the challenges faced by athletes.

💡Team Dynamics

Team dynamics in the Warriors' context involves the interactions and relationships among players, particularly between Curry and Thompson. Their mutual respect, combined with the support of other key players, has been crucial to the team's success.

💡Draft Picks

The draft picks of Curry in 2009 and Thompson in 2011 were transformative for the Warriors. These selections laid the foundation for their future success, demonstrating the importance of strategic drafting in building a championship team.

💡Legacy

The legacy of the Splash Brothers is marked by their influence on the game of basketball, their championship victories, and their memorable performances. Their story is celebrated and will be passed down through generations, symbolizing excellence and innovation in the NBA.

Highlights

Throughout NBA history, many legendary backcourts have left a memorable mark on the game, including Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars.

At the summit of NBA backcourts stand Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, famously known as the Splash Brothers.

Underrated and overlooked, Curry and Thompson defied expectations through sheer will and determination, becoming the personification of excellence.

Their achievements will never be forgotten, and their stories will be passed down from generation to generation.

In 1975, Rick Barry and his underdog Warriors team reached the NBA Finals and swept the Washington Bullets, one of the most remarkable years in Warriors history.

The Warriors experienced fleeting moments of brilliance, like Sleepy Floyd's 51-point explosion against the 1987 Lakers and the early '90s Run TMC era.

The 'We Believe' Warriors ignited hope across San Francisco by becoming the first eighth-seeded team to topple a number one seed since the first round expanded to a best-of-seven series.

In 2009, the Warriors selected Stephen Curry with the seventh pick in the NBA draft, a transformative decision for the franchise.

In 2011, the Warriors drafted Klay Thompson, marking the dawn of something extraordinary that would revolutionize the franchise and the entire landscape of basketball.

Curry and Thompson shared an insatiable love for shooting the ball, setting them apart and making them the envy of the league.

Several potential trades involving Curry and Thompson were halted, allowing them to grow and blossom into an extraordinary duo.

The term 'Splash Brothers' was coined in 2012, marking the official birth of Curry and Thompson's iconic partnership.

Despite skepticism about jump-shooting teams, Curry and Thompson delivered some of the most incredible performances in NBA history.

Among their individual achievements, Curry set the record for most three-pointers in a game with 13 in 2016, and Thompson pushed the boundary further with 14 three-pointers in 2018.

Curry and Thompson's admiration for each other is evident, with Curry describing Thompson as a one-of-a-kind teammate and Thompson expressing long-standing admiration for Curry.

The Splash Brothers' playing style set a new standard in the league, becoming the blueprint many teams attempted to replicate.

Injuries sidelined both Curry and Thompson in 2020, marking a temporary pause in their journey.

After suffering severe leg injuries, Thompson returned to the court in 2022, reuniting with Curry in a moment that was both celebratory and deeply symbolic.

Despite not being the player he once was, Thompson played a critical role in the Warriors' 2022 NBA Championship victory.

Following the championship, tensions arose around Thompson's contract negotiations, leading to his eventual departure from the Warriors.

In a heartfelt farewell, Curry expressed deep gratitude for Thompson, highlighting their achievements and the legacy they built together.

The era of the Splash Brothers has ended, but their legacy will resonate in the hearts of basketball fans for eternity.

Transcripts

throughout NBA history many legendary

backcourts have left a memorable mark on

the game icons like Kobe Bryant and

Derek fiser Tony Parker and Manu jobi

Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars are just a

few of those Duos whose extraordinary

talents have graced the

hardwood anyone who knows anything about

basketball will have heard of these

Legends whose legacies are etched into

the history of the sport echoing through

time at the Pinnacle of this celebrated

list however at the summit of NBA back

courts stand Steph Curry and Klay

Thompson of the Golden State Warriors

famously known as the Splash Brothers

their journey to Greatness is nothing

short of miraculous underrated and

overlooked they defied expectations

through sheer will and determination

becoming the personification of

Excellence their achievements will never

be forgotten and those fortunate enough

to have witnessed their greatness will

pass down their stories from generation

to

generation this is their story

he has Curry and it mes to

Thompson step Curry for two that one go

rebound right back out tops him a good

look Nails the three great oh man are

you kidding me seriously man come

on there's a quote that says the night

is darkest just before the dawn and when

it comes to the story of the Splash

Brothers and the rise of the Golden

State Warriors the modern NBA's greatest

Dynasty this couldn't be closer to the

truth to fully appreciate and grasp this

story however let's take a step back in

time what a story this has

been underdogs all the way the Warriors

have done it the Golden State Warriors

have just won the NBA

Championship 1975 stands out as one of

the most remarkable years in Warriors

history whenever a basketball

conversation turns to the greatest NBA

Finals upsets this year consistently

emerges in a stunning display of

determination and skill Rick Barry and

his Underdog Warriors team reached the

1975 NBA finals and then swept the

Washington Bullets a Powerhouse roster

brimming with established stars and led

by two future Hall of Famers Against All

Odds and contrary to expert predictions

that the bullets would easily run

through the Warriors Barry and his team

made

history sadly that would stand as the

Warriors last golden year for decades as

the team gradually descended into the

Shadows over the years there were

fleeting moments of Brilliance like

sleepy Floyd's 51-point explosion

against the 1987 Lakers arguably the

finest Showtime Lakers Squad ever

assembled or the early 9s Run TMC era

proclaimed by some as the birth of small

b

ball however for the most part the

Warriors remained on the outskirts of

Championship contention the We Believe

Warriors ignited hope across San

Francisco when they became the first

eighth seated team to topple a number

one seed since the first round expanded

to a best of seven series and what an

electrifying show that

was Davis the go one1 get into the lane

here's Davis

unfortunately the We Believe Warriors

era was short-lived a victim of what

many fans lament as the winter of Cohen

and the rule of Robert Rowell the

franchise spiraled into despair as they

traded away fan favorite Jason

Richardson and allowed Baron Davis to

simply walk away casting a shadow over

the organization this turn of events

dropped the Warriors from a bright spot

on the NBA landscape into the depths of

basketball Purgatory it was a bleak

period for warriors fans who endured a

dis heartening 29 win season in

2009 however as I mentioned earlier

echoing the adage the night is the

darkest just before the dawn after the

bitter taste of that 29 win season in

2009 a remarkable transformation was on

the

horizon with the seventh pick in the

2009 NBA draft the Golden State Warriors

select Stephen Curry from Davidson

College

despite his reluctance to be drafted by

the Warriors refusing to participate in

any workouts or visits Golden State took

a big gamble during the 2009 NBA draft

at Madison Square Garden when they

selected the 6'3 Guard from Davidson a

decision that would become the most

transformative in the franchise

history this is maybe the premier

shooter I've ever seen in my

life right from the get-go in his rookie

year you could tell Steph was going to

be

Special by Moro again Curry three oh

no Curry was a career

high

34 and seven

threes seven of

10 the second most significant moment in

Warriors franchise history unfolded just

2 years later a mere 30-minute drive

from Madison Square Garden at the

credential Center in New Jersey here's

what happened

with the 11th pick in the 2011 NBA draft

the Golden State Warriors select Klay

Thompson from Washington State

University this moment marked the dawn

of something extraordinary something

that would not only revolutionized the

Warriors franchise but the entire

landscape of

basketball Thompson turn around

smooth at the time no one could have

predicted the magnitude of what was

unfolding not even Steph and Clay

themselves after all how could they have

foreseen it they barely even spoke to

each other back

then I don't think me and Steph said a

word to each other the first year to be

honest

like despite their initial silence

though Steph and Clay shared several

traits in their early years they were

both reserved preferring to let their

performance on the court speak volumes

they were never truly alone

either Steph found companionship and

family life marrying in 2011 and

surrounding himself with loved ones Clay

on the other hand welcomed a loyal

English bulldog named Rocco into his

life the same year always ensuring his

best friend was by his

side I know we don't get to hang out

much out outside of outside the practice

and games but you got your dog I got my

family and all that stuff

but another passion they shared was an

insal love for shooting the ball if

there was ever one attribute that set

these two apart and made them the Envy

of the league it was their unparalleled

ability to SN baskets from long

range while everyone acknowledges Steph

as perhaps the greatest shooter the NBA

has ever witnessed the debate among

teammates was a little more

nuanced so people was like who's a

better shooter Steph or clay I was like

it depends on if clay uh wants to go

play with his dog or not

this paing of Steph and Clay seemed

destined by the basketball Gods

themselves as if Celestial forces

intervened to ensure it happened I mean

just consider the events that played out

despite the Warriors drafting the

Cornerstone of their future the magic

nearly vanished before it had a chance

to flourish in 2011 for example shortly

after Klay joined the team Bob Myers the

esteemed former GM of the Warriors

nearly traded both him and Steph to New

Orleans for Chris Paul fortunately for

Golden State Paul stated he wouldn't

resign longterm which ultimately nicked

the

deal then in 2012 Steph Curry came close

to being traded to Milwaukee fortunately

concerns from Milwaukee's medical team

about his ankle durability halted the

trade allowing him to remain where he

was not long after that a potential

trade threatened to send clay to

Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love

this time it was the legendary late

great Jerry West the logo who saved the

day by threatening to leave the Warriors

if they proceeded with the trade so

thanks to Chris Paul's reluctance to

commit to Golden State Milwaukee's

doctor skepticism over Steph's ankle and

Jerry West's insightful judgment this

remarkable Duo was allowed to grow and

Blossom into something

extraordinary easy two for one

opportunity and there's the freebie and

step drops into

three this game you're watching happened

on December 21st of 2012 and if you're

wondering why I'm showing this specific

game game it's not just the fact that

Curry and Clay combined for seven out of

11 shots from three in just two quarters

of play but the fact that this tweet

came out at halftime if you're wondering

about the significance of this message

let me Enlighten you this very tweet

marked the official birth of the Splash

Brothers from that moment forward Steph

Curry and Klay Thompson were poised to

elevate the Warriors to unprecedented

Heights however before they could reach

their Apex they faced a legion of

Skeptics and

outers I have said the exact same thing

for 16 years here I don't like jump

shooting teams I don't think you can win

the championship beating good teams

shooting

jumpers Steph and Clay were undeterred

by the noise though instead it fueled

them to deliver some of the most

incredible performances in NBA history

consider this the NBA record for the

most three-pointers in a game stood at

12

a feat achieved by Kobe Bryant in 2003

and later equaled by Danielle Marshall

in 2005 these records held firmly over a

decade until Steph shattered them in

2016 with 13

three-pointers he knows where he is as

Curry hit another three for the

record there he

is then just when the basketball World

thought this record would stand for

years Klay Thompson pushed the boundary

even further by sinking for 14

three-pointers in

2018 history

got 14 threes in a game has never been

done until

tonight among their most mesmerizing

performances the Pinnacle of their

individual regular season achievements

came when they combined for 78 points

against Kevin Durant Russell Westbrook

and the OKC Thunder this overtime

spectacle was highlighted by Steph's

jaw-dropping shot from near the parking

lot nailed with just fractions of a

second left on the

clock I'm out decide not to use it Curry

way downtown bang bang oh what a shot

from

Curry their repertoire of historic

performances doesn't end there Klay

Thompson's breathtaking 37 points in one

quarter Steph Curry's Majestic 54o

Masterpiece at the Garden Clay's

explosive 60 points and 3/4 against

Indiana and Steph's clutch 50-point

performance in a game seven victory over

Sacramento are all Testament to their

dominance additionally Clay's pivotal

game six against OKC and Steph's

commanding game four against Boston

further showcased their extraordinary

talents and pivotal roles in critical

matchups the catalog of individual

achievements by these two stars is so

extensive that it could easily fill an

entire video and it's evident that their

admiration for each other matches the

magnitude of their accomplishments what

kind of teammate is Klay

Thompson uh he's he's one of a kind I

know that turn gets thrown around a lot

but

uh his humility the way he enjoys life

uh

selfishness turning to Clay here are his

thoughts on Steph well I've admired

Steph um long before he was a Warrior

when he was at Davidson I was a fan I

went and saw him play at the haunted

Center in Anaheim against UCLA

and I was amazed by his skill and his

ability and then to be drafted with the

Warriors and be his two guard for as

long as I have been um it's been nothing

short of

amazing the best regular season in NBA

history foiling LeBron's quest to

surpass Michael Jordan in championships

and defeating LeBron so badly that it

led to his departure from Cleveland are

just a few of the remarkable

mountaintops accomplished by the Splash

Brothers like I said earlier no single

video could fully Encompass all that

they have achieved together the playing

style of Stephan clay set a new standard

in the league becoming the blueprint

many teams attempted to replicate over

the

years however they quickly discovered

that while imitation is possible

duplicating the unique Magic of the

Splash Brothers is entirely another

matter the NBA feels like it's a copycat

League nowadays you know and the

warriors were on their run you saw teams

across the league trying to mimic that

model didn't necessarily have the

Personnel to fit that

regrettably every story has its

conclusion and for the Splash Brothers

the signs of an impending end emerged

during game six of the 2019 NBA Finals

when clay suffered an ACL tear a moment

that foreshadowed the challenges ahead

Thompson running the floor and a foul

and Thompson grabs his left

knee Steph Curry was absolutely

disgusted with himself for making that

pass in wished pain aking L that he

could redo that play Steph Curry was

really saddened and it had nothing to do

with losing afterwards clay embodying

the true Spirit of a warrior returned to

the court with a torn ACL to sync two

crucial free throws giving the Warriors

a glimmer of hope to extend the series

to a game seven however fate had other

plans and it simply wasn't meant to be

for them that

year after that finals loss came 2020 an

anomalous year for the Warriors and he

CLS out on a shooting hand

side Steph Curry with a lot of Conta

uhoh after dominating the NBA landscape

for half a decade with the Splash

Brothers at the helm injury sidelined

the two legends and the organization

then found themselves at the League's

bottom surrounded by a new assembly of

players I prefer to think of it as a

sabatical a brief pause in their Story

Journey 2021 was anticipated to be the

triumphant return of the dynamic duo but

but just as clay recovered from his ACL

injury he suffered a ruptured Achilles a

devastating setback for Steph this was a

crushing blow to get that call was a gut

punch for sure uh a lot of Tears a lot

of um you don't really know what to say

cuz a guy like that having to go through

you know two pretty serious rehabs now

for clay however the situation was even

more heartbreaking for someone who loves

the game deeper than any of us can

imagine being forced to observe from the

sidelines proved more agonizing than the

injuries themselves despite not being

able to play though clay seized every

opportunity to support his fellow Splash

brother and the team Steph what's going

on man I haven't seen you in a while

what's up my guy

okay 2022 however was set to be a

turning point clay approached his

Rehabilitation with meticulous care even

reaching out to Kevin Durant for advice

after witnessing the successful comeback

his former team made from a similar

Achilles injury and it all paid off on

January 9th 2022 after

942 Days Clay and Steph reunited on the

court once again sharing the hardwood in

a moment that was both celebratory and

deeply

symbolic

he's

back and now it is 11th NBA season out

of Washington State

University number 11

Clay

Thomson one of Clay's initial place

however not only ignited excitement

among Warriors fans globally but also

sent pulses racing Thompson just the two

points this he dribbling oh exploding to

the rim Clay Thompson the very thought

of Klay Duncan again was enough to give

everyone a distinct sense of anxiet

nobody wanted to see him take that risk

anymore Steph however wasn't bothered in

fact he was the most animated person in

the entire Arena leaping around like a

little kid would on Christmas morning

and for him it truly was like Christmas

I mean he received a magical gift that

money could never buy the return of his

Splash

brother regrettably for warriors fans

this was not the Klay Thompson of years

past after suffering two severe leg

injuries and Crossing into his 30s a

crossroad that often marks a decline for

basketball players it was evident that

clay was no longer the player he once

was while his sharp shooting skills

remained intact his ability in slicing

through defenses off the dribble and his

all NBA defense had

diminished yet number 11 remained

undeterred pouring every ounce of effort

into his game and then

some take for instance the 2022 NBA

Finals after Steph's Monumental

performance in game four the Chef found

himself tooo drained to replicate that

intensity for game five fortunately he

didn't need to Klay Thompson often

underappreciated in recent years for his

contributions stepped up significantly

in that decisive game five a game where

the winner often goes on winning the

series over 80% of the time Klay came

through in the clutch in that game

sinking five of 11 from Beyond The Arc

playing a pivotal role in securing the W

that set them on the path to

Championship number four the Splash

Brothers went on to reclaim their Throne

at top the NBA world and although Klay

Thompson's abilities had waned from his

earlier years he still played a critical

role this moment in time not only

elevated them back to the summit of the

basketball world but also cemented their

status as the greatest back court in NBA

history you about to get a bag we about

to get a bag we about to

[Music]

get following that Championship Victory

Hefty contracts were in order for the

organization

with both fellow teammates pool and

wigin securing extensions worth $100

million each given their performances

during the playoff run marked by

significant game-changing moments from

each it was a reward welld

deserved those contracts however did not

sit well with Thompson particularly when

it came time for his own contract

negotiations in the following years

tensions brewed around clay although the

Warriors organization attempted to keep

these issues discreet signs of his

frustration were evident on the court

poor shot selection and a visibly sour

demeanor suggested that the team's

inability to meet his demands was taking

a toll clay often tried to shoot his way

out of the situation but unlike in the

past the strategy only seemed to deepen

his

struggles in what turned out to be his

final appearance in A Warrior's uniform

during a critical elimination game

Thompson went 0 for 10 from the

field this performance made him a target

of memes and jokes far in wide yet

truthfully that match was an off day for

the entire Warriors team while the Kings

played their best game even if clay had

managed an elite shooting performance

hitting 70 or 80% of his shots the

outcome would have likely been the same

the warriors were destined to lose that

game it simply wasn't written in their

story to win in

2024 in the following offseason the

pettiness surrounding the contracts

became unbearable for clay along with

everything else relegated to coming off

the bench feeling disrespected by the

organization and perceiving himself as

undervalued compared to his teammates

clay was deeply unsettled the Warriors

decision to delay resigning him until

the rest of the roster was sorted out

was the final straw for number

11 sometimes in life a fresh start is

what we all need and the other half of

the Splash Brothers was no

exception Klay Thompson's 133-year

career in Golden state for championships

is not now over this is the end of

something magical in

basketball in a series of heartfelt

images shared on social media Steph

Curry opened up about what clay meant to

him from their early days as New Kids on

the Block through their rise up the

ranks of the NBA to their apex's

Champions Steph held nothing back he

concluded with this going to miss you

Klay Thompson even though we won't

finish the journey together what we did

will never be done again couldn't have

imagined a better run with you and money

23 green change the whole Bay Area

change the way the game is played kill a

clay at the center of it all thank you

for everything bro go enjoy playing

basketball and doing what you do Splash

Bros for life my

guy the days of Steph Curry and Klay

Thompson sharing the court the era of

the Splash Brothers may have come to an

end but their achievements and the

Legacy they've built will resonate in

the hearts of basketball fans for

eternity when I get on the floor and I

see number 11 suited up with me I feel

good about our success and our chances

to win a game you make my job easy when

I come on the floor I know hopefully we

have a long future together man

[Music]