Last night, the Golden State Warriors took on the Phoenix Suns in their 2023-2024 season opener. It was a huge game that saw Kevin Durant return to the Chase Center. However, his return was a lot tougher than he expected. Managing only a measly seven of 22 from the field, KD was locked down by his former teammate Klay Thompson. Klay was on the Slim Reaper throughout the game and proved to be a major stumbling block for the Suns. Nevertheless, the Suns came out on top, winning the game 108-104. Following the game, while they were disappointed, Stephen Curry and Steve Kerr praised Thompson for his incredible defense in the post-game press conference. All while he deals with contract negotiations that have now stalled.
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Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry praise Klay Thompson for his lockdown defense of Kevin Durant
The season opener for the Golden State Warriors didn’t go down as they had hoped. They lost to the Phoenix Suns in a close 108-104 encounter. That being said, they showed some positive signs in terms of their individual performances. Everybody did their thing, but the biggest highlight was undoubtedly Klay Thompson and his defense.
Playing the No.3 position, Klay was in charge of guarding KD. He was on point, and pretty much shut down the two-time NBA Champion singlehandedly. Holding Durant to just 7 of 22 in shooting, as he managed to score 18 points, Klay impressed everyone with his lockdown defense.
Following the game, Stephen Curry praised Klay for rising up to the challenge and holding down the fort against Durant. Clearly, he was impressed by his fellow Splash Brother’s performance.
“Klay obviously, defensively he took the challenge of guarding KD. Fresh out the gate. Tried to climb up into him, make it tough on him. Obviously, K had a tough shooting night for a reason.”
But Steph wasn’t the only one who had great things to say about Thompson. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also praised Klay in the post-game press conference, commending him for his solid defense.
“Klay was great. I mean he just did his best to make things difficult on Kevin. You know there’s not a whole lot you can do once he rises up and gets that release way above his head. There’s not a whole lot you can challenge. So, you just have to do your work early, and I thought Klay did that. He was physical with him off the ball…tried to force him into some tougher spots. Kevin missed some that he will make next time. But, Klay was really solid defensively.”
All in all, it was a good night for Thompson on both ends of the court. Locking down Durant aside, Klay also managed to score 15 points, grab seven rebounds, and dish out three assists. The Warriors will certainly be expecting more of the same, as he plays out the last year of his contract.
Mike Dunleavy and Joe Lacob want to make Klay a Warrior for life
As things stand, the contract negotiations between Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors have stalled. Nevertheless, the Dubs are focused on handing him a new contract. Speaking 95.7 The Game, Warriors GM, Mike Dunleavy Jr. hopes to seal a deal with Klay and make him a Warrior for life.
In a similar fashion, the team’s owner, Joe Lacob, previously mirrored those sentiments. He claimed that things with Klay are progressing smoothly, and while nothing is in the books as of yet, he expects him to stay with the Warriors.
Clearly, there is a future in Golden State for Klay. But, things are up in the air right now, and it is likely not sitting well with him. Only time will tell if he remains in the Bay Area or not.
