Klay Thompson is a player that has been quintessential to the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. While Thompson was injured for two seasons, the Warriors failed to make the playoffs. However, once he returned to the team, they won the title for the fourth time in the last decade. Overall, Thompson is just one of those players who knows what he is doing on the court. He understands his role and he plays it perfectly. He is a three-point machine, and when he gets hot, there is no stopping him.
Although he had a rough start to the season, Thompson has come into his own. Of course, this is great for the Warriors who are in the midst of a playoff bid. Klay always seems to step up his game when the playoffs roll around, and that is exactly what happened last night. The Warriors were playing against the Phoenix Suns, who are one of the best teams in the league right now. However, the Warriors popped off with an 11-point victory. Moreover, Thompson was the star of the show thanks to a 38-point performance. Thirty-three of those points came in the first half.
In the highlights up above, you can see how well Thompson was playing. Once he starts knocking down shots, the game comes to him in an effortless fashion. Warriors fans love this about Klay, and during his epic first half, the shooting guard became a trending topic on Twitter. As you can see below, fans had nothing but good things to say about the Warriors legend. “Steph about to turn 35. Klay just turned 33. Dray just turned 33. Appreciate them while you still can,” one user said. Moreover, there were plenty of memes to go around.
If you are a Warriors fan, you can’t help but feel as though this team is positioned for some sort of deep playoff run. They are the sixth seed right now, although they would match up against the Memphis Grizzlies. Without Ja Morant, this would be an easy series for the Warriors, who are packed with experience. Either way, Thompson will certainly be ready for the journey. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the sports world.
Fans React
Steph about to turn 35. Klay just turned 33. Dray just turned 33.
Kendrick Perkins is one of the more polarizing figures on sports talk television. Overall, he was making headlines for all of the wrong reasons last week. This was due to the fact that he said that Nikola Jokic is a stat-padder. Moreover, he insinuated that the MVP voters are racist. This eventually led to a callout from JJ Redick that went viral. Needless to say, not everyone respects Perkins’ opinion. However, he is someone who can make for great ratings at ESPN, and that is why he remains employed.
With the playoffs on the horizon, there are now plenty of hot takes floating around. This is especially true as it pertains to the Western Conference. There are plenty of teams that could contend, and First Take is trying to figure it all out. For instance, today, Stephen A. Smith and Perkins had a debate about the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. Overall, they were trying to decipher which team has the best chance at going far in the playoffs.
Kendrick Perkins Speaks
“The Golden State Warriors, their championship days are OVER!”
Ultimately, Perkins came through with some love for the Los Angeles Lakers. Of course, he typically does this because LeBron is on the team. Over the years, Perkins has been incredibly biased toward LeBron, and today was no exception. Consequently, Kendrick Perkins even tried to hit the Warriors with a reality check. Simply put, he thinks their time in the spotlight is officially over. “The Golden State Warriors, their championship days are OVER!” Perkins explained. However, this is a team that always finds a way to win, so perhaps Perkins is getting too far ahead of himself right now.
Overall, the Warriors are sixth in the West. Meanwhile, the Lakers are in 10th. Despite this, there are only about two wins separating these two teams right now. It just goes to show that the Western Conference is incredibly open this season. Whether or not the Lakers or the Warriors go further than one another, still remains to be seen. Let us know if you think Perkins is right, down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from the sports world.
Steph Curry is easily the greatest shooter to ever grace an NBA court. At this point, it is impossible to deny that Curry will likely finish his career as one of the 10 greatest players of all time. Overall, he has four titles to his name and he even has the three-point record.
At this stage in his career, Curry is still looking for more accolades. For instance, he and the Warriors would love to win a fifth NBA title since 2015. However, it is not going to be easy as the team has struggled at times this year. Although last night, they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors is fouled on a three-point shot being defended by Brandon Clarke #15 and Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter at Chase Center on January 25, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
During this game, Curry was downright impressive as he scored 34 points. He led all players in points, and it was also a huge night in terms of career milestones. For instance, in the clip down below, you can see Curry scoring his 21,000th point. Surprisingly, it was on a layup and not a three-pointer.
As far as scoring is concerned, he certainly won’t be reaching LeBron’s upcoming record anytime soon. Of course, LeBron is just 158 points away from beating Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record. It is likely that James will have over 40,000 points by the end of his historic career.
Curry and LeBron are two players who will forever be intertwined. Had it not been for Curry and his team’s brilliance, LeBron would probably have six or seven rings by now.
Let us know what you think of Curry’s accomplishment, in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.
Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship last year. As a result, they get to visit the White House. The team had been waiting for the best opportunity to go, and on Tuesday, that’s what they did.
Of course, the Warriors hadn’t been to the White House in a while as they had a feud with Donald Trump. Overall, the Warriors didn’t like him and the feeling was mutual. However, the team respects Joe Biden a whole lot more, which is why they ultimately went and visited him.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during the daily White House briefing with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry (L) and Warriors coach Steve Kerr (R), on January 17, 2023 in Washington, DC. The Warriors, defending NBA champions, will meet later in the day with U.S. President Joe Biden. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Steph Curry Speaks
During his appearance at the White House, Curry actually got to speak in the Press Gallery. Down below, you can see Curry give a speech to reporters that was quite spirited. In fact, Curry thanked President Joe Biden specifically, noting his efforts that helped bring Brittney Griner home.
Griner was released from a Russian prison after 10 months of incarceration. As many already know, the entire NBA world was working hard to bring her home. Consequently, many throughout the basketball fraternity have shown gratitude towards President Biden and his staff.
Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry thanks President Biden and his staff “for all their hard work and diligence on getting Brittney Griner home.” pic.twitter.com/8HNbkk1eZ0
Steve Kerr also got to speak while Klay Thompson and Moses Moody spoke to staffers. Overall, it seemed like a pretty cool experience for everyone involved, and there is no doubt that the Warriors are eager to go back someday. Curry even said as much in the clip below. Of course, that would require another title, which is easier said than done.
Let us know what you thought of Curry’s speech, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.
Steph Curry & Steve Kerr spoke to the press here in the Press Room at the White House. Steve along with Klay Thompson and Moses Moody sat down with senior White House staffers and talked about gun control policy. pic.twitter.com/UfeGjznz59
The Golden State Warriors have navigated the rocky waters and now their captain in Stephen Curry is on his way back. According to NBA.com, Curry could return to the Warriors on Jan. 13.
Curry is expected to make a successful recovery from a left shoulder injury in time for the Warriors’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, according to general manager Bob Myers of the Warriors.
“He’s going to get evaluated this weekend, and he’s working out on the court,” Myers said. “The two-week mark to evaluate him was this weekend, but there’s been no, at this point, setbacks or anything like that. So that would be — what, the first road game is on Friday.”
Curry has not played since Dec. 14. The Warriors currently sit one game above .500 and are ninth in the Western Conference. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
Thompson scored 54 points on 21-of-39 shooting, including cashing 10-of-21 threes. The Warriors would continue their bounce back from Steph Curry’s injuries with a 143-141 double-overtime victory.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for me,” Thompson said. “There were some hard days for me when I didn’t know that this would be possible in real time. I am just going to embrace the heck out of it.”
“When you’re as competitive as he is, when you’re as good as he is, it’s tough sometimes,” Warriors forward Draymond Green said to ESPN. “For two years, everybody is doubting you. That same fire toward that doubt is what made you Klay Thompson … you don’t just lose that. That is embedded in you. It’s good to see him settle down. He’s not chasing it anymore, and it’s falling right in his lap. When you are that good, that’s usually what happens.”
If you love the Golden State Warriors, you know just how much Thompson means to this franchise. He has helped them win four NBA titles, and he will have his jersey raised to the rafters when all is said and done. Moreover, he is just a great teammate to Steph Curry.
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors comes off the court for a timeout during the first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on December 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson Vs. The Media
Just last month, Thompson found himself beefing with Charles Barkley and some of his other haters. It was a bit unbecoming, especially since Thompson eventually proved them all wrong. While speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Howard Beck, Thompson revealed how it was a mistake to acknowledge those doubters.
“Yeah, man, I’m mad I even addressed that,” Thompson said. “It’s like, only time will tell. I just gotta hoop and let the talkers talk. Like, what else do I got to prove, man? At this point, it’s all gravy, playing with house money.”
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on December 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Warriors have struggled at times this season and with Steph injured, Thompson will have to help lead the way. This is a position he has been in before, and he will certainly be looking to rise to that occasion.
Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world. Additionally, let us know what you think of Thompson’s comments, down below.
Klay Thompson and the Memphis Grizzlies have been in a huge rivalry as of late. The young stars of the Grizzlies like Dillon Brooks and Ja Morant have rubbed him the wrong way. Overall, he does not care for their cocky attitudes, and he has made it his mission to teach them a lesson.
On Christmas Day, the Warriors and the Grizzlies played each other in what should have been a win for the Grizzlies. Without Steph Curry, the Warriors were huge underdogs to win the match. However, Thompson rallied the troops and came through with a massive win.
Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors warms up prior to the start of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center on December 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Klay Thompson Taunts The Grizzlies
As you can imagine, Thompson wasn’t very charitable to the Grizzlies after the game. In fact, he had a ton of smoke for them. In the clip down below, you can see Thompson going off on the team, noting just how much their tough talk is all for nothing.
“Man, they [were] talking about dynasty and all that, you can’t talk dynasty when you haven’t won before.” Thompson explained. “I don’t think people realize how hard that is, the commitment and sacrifice it takes. You got to sacrifice your body and I thought that was premature talk to even mention that word.”
“You can’t talk dynasty when you haven’t won before … I thought that was premature talk.”
After shooting a basket over the head of Brooks, Thompson hit him with the ultimate taunt. Brooks was on the ground, although that did not stop Thompson from being a complete menace out there. The Warriors superstar continues to yell in his face, and the crowd absolutely loved it.
Following his retirement, Pierce became an analyst on TV where he became known for his controversial takes and obvious Celtics bias. He was certainly one of the most entertaining voices over at ESPN, although now, he can be heard giving his opinions alongside Garnett for Showtime. Additionally, Pierce has been working on a whole host of different businesses. He continues to make strides in the Cannabis industry, and Pierce is investing in enough companies to keep him busy. Overall, it’s been a productive retirement for the Celtics legend.
Paul Pierce, presented by Kevin Garnett speaks during the 2021 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony at Symphony Hall on September 11, 2021 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Of course, the 2022-23 season started just a couple of months ago, and so far, it has been extremely interesting. Just like the rest of us, Pierce has been tapped in, and he has plenty to say on what he’s seen so far. With that said, we got to speak with The Truth for the latest edition of our “12 Days Of Christmas” series.
Throughout the interview, Pierce got to talk about the Celtics’ heartbreak from last year, the Ime Udoka situation, Jayson Tatum’s MVP campaign, and the difference between his era and the current one. You also may be surprised by who he thinks will be in the Finals this year.
This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity
HNHH: Starting things off, when it comes to the season so far, what have your thoughts really been on the quality of basketball?
Paul Pierce: It’s been pretty good. You know, what is one thing that’s probably standing out the most to me? It’s kind of like the balance around the league. You know, you can’t just say one or two teams as contenders. I think you got about like six teams that can possibly win the championship this year. I really like some of the young teams who are thriving in the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans. They’ve been a surprise early in the season. Obviously, we knew the Celtics will be good after they run last year. But when you look and you see Golden State, you know, they not in the top four right now. It just shows you how almost better everybody else has gotten. And I liked the balance across the league this year.
In terms of those young teams that are contending, you see Memphis and the Pelicans, you but they don’t have the same experience as a Golden State. So how do you think that will translate for them as the season goes on?
Man, you know, this is the way I look at it. Golden State was one of those young teams before too when they made the leap and they had to get over the hump of beating teams like San Antonio, who was in the middle of a dynasty or just finishing up. And so yeah, they don’t have experience which is why I believe that would give Golden State their advantage because of their experience, because they’ve been in deep playoff rounds, won championships, and these other teams are still learning how to win. So hopefully, they’ll use the regular season. For some of them who played in the playoffs last year, like Memphis and the Pelicans, they were in the playoffs last year. So they have a little experience. So hopefully, you know, they can gain confidence from that.
Former Boston Celtics player Paul Pierce celebrates on the sidelines after the Boston Celtics beat the Golden State Warriors 116-100 after Game Three of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 08, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
As a former Celtic obviously, you’re watching the team a lot. What do you think of their strong start to the season so far?
Yeah, I really expected them to come on really good, especially with the additions. Malcolm Brogdon really gave them some depth. I expect them to come on and be strong. Did I know they were gonna be this strong? I don’t know. But you know, right now, they look like the team to beat in the NBA. So they got strong play from the all-stars. Jayson Tatum looking like an MVP. Jaylen Brown is also looking like an MVP candidate too. So, you know those guys are playing well. They tough to beat.
Everyone is talking about Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as an elite duo right now. They were an elite duo last year. But now they’ve really sort of kicked it up a notch. Where would you rank them in terms of the duos across the NBA right now?
I think they’re the best duo right now. I mean, you look at what they’ve been able to accomplish this year, even last year, when you look at the numbers, the numbers don’t lie. Jayson has given them 30 points again, and Jaylen giving them like 27 a game. So I’ll put them right up there at the top. You know, this ain’t no disrespect to the other guys who have got really good players, because you can name guys like LeBron and Anthony Davis, Kyrie and Kevin Durant? Joel Embiid and James Harden, and a number of other young stars with their teams. Murray and Trae Young… but I think I do truly believe that the [Celtics] got the best duo.
Coming into this season for the Celtics, there was a bit of controversy. They have a new coach, although one that was already in the system. On your end, how difficult is it for a team to overcome that mental hurdle, especially at the start of a season? Or do you think it didn’t really matter since they already had that core together?
It’s easy for us to speculate because when it all happened… Ime Udoka got suspended. It was just like, what he was able to create? What kind of culture did he make and taking into the powers you thought would kind of like, put a dent in their armor? But it looked like they got the leadership from within. A lot of his coaches are still there. A lot of the same players. They just added a couple more players, but I just think the infrastructure was there. And you know, when you got leadership from within from the sidelines to the players, and it just carries over, no matter who’s head coach, and because these guys have been together, they’ve won together. And they know what it takes.
Paul Pierce attends the game between the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Kansas Jayhawks during the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship at Caesars Superdome on April 04, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Going back to last season, you know, how hard was it for you personally to watch that Celtics team lose the finals to the Warriors, just having a personal attachment to that franchise?
It’s always tough. Game four was the game where I think Curry…That was the turning game. They got a chance to go up 3-1 and I just knew once they lost that game, I was like, ‘this ain’t right.’ They gave this team confidence and a courageous plan. Like the best player in basketball. So it definitely hurt. And I know they feel it more than me, because I was out there [once]. They knew that this was an opportunity, because you know, it’s hard to make it to the NBA Finals, and let alone winning. You can’t take that for granted.
What do you think the next step will have to be for this in order to get over the hump and be able to win a championship this time around? Because players like Jayson Tatum had it rough in the Finals.
Well, now that they’ve been on a big stage, they know what to expect. They showed that they was a veteran team, they didn’t get rattled in big moments. They understood the moment. Boston is a young team that has that experience now. So now, when that moment comes, they’ll know how to react better, and they will be better prepared. Not only for what it takes, and so on. And that’s that’s huge. You know, it’s tough when you’re going through your first finals against a team who’s been there, done that, you know, the lights, the media attention, all that can get to some young players, and you know, now that they’ve experienced it, I think there’ll be more equipped for it this time around.
As someone who won a title in Boston who knows what it is like to be on a dynasty in the making, do you think this current iteration of the Celtics has dynasty potential?
Well, yeah, I mean, I think the pieces are in place when you got two young stars like they do. A number of other young guys. Everything is in place, because when you looked at dynasties over the years, where you look at it, like how the Lakers did it when Kobe and Shaq were young, the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors, you know, they had the infrastructure built with the young stars. And so that’s definitely there. But you got to get that first one. And once you get that first one under the belt, who knows what might happen with this thing?
Paul Pierce, NBA legend speaks during the NRL Grand Final Media Opportunity at Martin Place on October 04, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
In terms of the modern-day NBA, you look at a team like the Warriors and they’re probably the best example of a dynasty in the contemporary era. Especially with players always jumping around from team to team. What has been the key to the Warriors dynasty and what is the blueprint for future NBA dynasties, moving forward?
If they didn’t win that much, then you know, they wouldn’t be resigning these guys all the time and keeping them together. So you know, they gotta win. That’s what’s gotta happen for Boston to stay together and for these two guys to grow together. They gotta win. You know, they keep going to the finals and losing, you probably see a shakeout. Right now is their time. They are still young, they know they got two great players, and that’s what you can build around moving forward, but they got to win. And that’s how it always starts with culture. You know, Boston Celtics have created a great culture for winning and it starts at the top, also ownership, coaching staff all the way through.
I just want to know what your thoughts were on the Draymond Green and Jordan pool situation because that was such a viral moment for that team and it also had ramifications on their free agency situation.
Well, you know, it shouldn’t happen. I think Draymond knows that it shouldn’t happen. Him being the veteran leader… shouldn’t have ever come to that. And I know he realized he made a mistake. But you know, they can get past stuff like that. And I truly believe they’ve gotten past it. When you’re in a culture like the Golden State Warriors, what they have in their leadership and their locker room, they can sweep stuff like that under the rug, and move on.
Jumping into the difference between eras. You played in a more defense-heavy era. You guys always talk about how it was much tougher to play, it was more aggressive on the defensive end. Maybe expand on that and how the game has changed because now more than ever, we see guys putting up these insane 40-50-point games.
I mean, it’s not only the difference in eras. As time has gone on, they’ve adjusted certain defensive rules that really give an advantage to the offensive player. They don’t allow a lot of bumping, they don’t allow a lot of holding, you know, and so, they really try to preach freedom of movement. And so when you allow that, then the advantage, the advantage is always gonna go to the offensive player. And that’s why you’re seeing these guys putting up record-setting numbers, not just individually. Just the other day I saw Sacramento put up like 140-145 points. But it’s good for the guys. Guys are better shooters these days, from top to bottom, and that’s why we are seeing these types of numbers.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 01: UFC interim middleweight champion Israel Adesanya (L) and former NBA player Paul Pierce (R) pose for a photo during a media opportunity ahead of UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium on October 1, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
In terms of just the young stars that are really dominating the game right now, who is somebody that you think could dominate in any era? Whether that be your era, the 90s, 80s, etc.
A lot of these guys. You got to figure that Kevin Durant, Kyrie, the Greek Freak. A lot of these guys will be dominant in any era… Jokic, The Joker. Steph Curry, of course.
Transitioning into your post-playing career, what are some projects that you’ve really been looking forward to doing or working on right now?
Right now, I’m doing the podcast with Kevin Garnett. We do our weekly podcast. I’ve just been doing a lot of investing in different companies. I’m working on putting together my documentary, as we speak, been doing stuff in the cannabis space, launching my brands in Boston, Phoenix, Ohio. And I’m gonna talk to somebody about starting my own long tequila brand. Why not?
What has it been like to sort of reconnect with Kevin Garnett and be able to do that show and just talk hoops all the time?
I mean, we just at the house chillin,’ man. We were really good friends. He lives five minutes from me, our kids go to school together. So it’s just natural for us to just kind of come together and talk hoops.
It’s still pretty early into the season but if you could pick an MVP right now, who would it be and why?
Right now, I gotta go with Jayson Tatum, man. I mean, because he’s leading the best team in basketball record-wise so far. He stepped his game up to another level. But it’s a long race, you know? But right now as of today, I gotta go with Jayson Tatum.
Just lastly, probably the Celtics are in there, but who do you think is probably destined for an NBA Finals appearance this year and who do you think is going to win, and in how many games?
Oh, I really see the Celtics are getting back in the finals. It’s gonna be tough because I believe it’s gonna be them and Milwaukee but I think the Celts are gonna win in seven games. I think it’s gonna be tough to find another team that can beat the Golden State Warriors in a seven-game series. It’s just hard for me to see them losing a seven-game series to anybody in the West, so I’m gonna go with them. I’m going with a rematch of last year.
Who do you got winning that series?
Celtics are winning in seven.
Awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time today.
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