The Golden State Warriors took down the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, bringing their record to 22-25 as they attempt to climb higher in the Western Conference standings.
As the game came to a close, Warriors fans noticed that Klay Thompson was not on the floor.
Head coach Steve Kerr decided against closing the game with Thompson and the star player spoke about this afterward.
Thompson told Anthony Slater that it is hard to not be a closer, stating, “Yeah, you kidding me? To go from one of the best players…it’s hard for anybody.”
Draymond Green then piped in with a comment, saying, “I didn’t close Game 5 of the Finals. Who the f— cares?”
Klay Thompson said it’s hard to not close: “Yeah, you kidding me? To go from one of the best players…It’s hard for anybody.”
Klay credited the young guys.
Draymond from off camera (to reporters): “I didn’t close Game 5 of the Finals. Who the f*** cares?” pic.twitter.com/CzYNX4vulw
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 6, 2024
Thompson’s words and Green’s response received a big response online from fans of the league and the Warriors.
“Draymond is right though,” one fan stated, claiming that this doesn’t ultimately matter, especially if the Warriors walked away with a win.
Draymond is right though 🤷🏾♂️
— ej. (@_juice2x) February 6, 2024
Others said that Thompson has been “off” for weeks and that getting benched in the final quarter was the right thing for the team.
Blud been off for weeks. He should’ve been happy to go to the bench for the win.
PRIORITIES
— NO SAUCES ENT. (@b0y1da_) February 6, 2024
Then some said Green was being too harsh and that Thompson deserves more respect because the Warriors wouldn’t have won their championship rings without him.
Klay doesn’t deserve this. They don’t win any 💍s without him
— Book’em “fan” (@dbookownsyou) February 6, 2024
Some people predicted that Thompson was entering the end of his time with the Warriors because he isn’t willing to wholly embrace the new role that has been created for him.
They say he is creating “negative energy” and needs to be traded away.
Unfortunately, this might be Klay's final season with the Warriors. He doesn't seem to want to embrace a reduced minutes role which is totally his right and he's starting to create some negative energy that needs to be eliminated. Either he eliminates it himself by realizing he…
— SF Bay = Sports Royalty (@SFSportsAndTech) February 6, 2024
If Thompson does stay with the Warriors, he will need to accept that his position on the team has changed, although it can always change back if he improves his game.
He also needs to be ready to hear comments like this one from Green and many others.
NEXT: Warriors Have The Highest Scoring Duo In The NBA
