No one in the NBA celebrates quite like Klay Thompson
The less famous Splash Brother is an amazing mix of goofy and joyous when things go right.
Klay Thompson had 35 points in a do-or-die Game 6 for the Warriors on Saturday night, including nine three-pointers and some damn good celebrations. The kind of celebrations Twitter has to talk about because they’re so fun.
Thompson had a couple of wild bursts of emotion, screaming “We ain’t going home!” into the crowd as the Warriors overcame a 17-point deficit in the second half. Golden State looked like they were on the verge of going home before this guy took over.
The #Warriors overcome a 10-point halftime deficit to defeat the #Rockets 115-86 Klay Thompson with another BIG Game 6 performance with 35 points on nine threes. pic.twitter.com/vG55rufbfR
— Ball Don't Stop (@balldontstop) May 27, 2018
Thompson’s claim to fame will always be tied to these Warriors and specifically to being one of the “Splash Brothers.” You see, part of the reason Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson have always been special together is because they fit each other like peanut butter and jelly. So different, yet so perfect together.
While Steph Curry is the first-ever unanimous NBA MVP, Thompson has been his best wing man, sidekick, and hype man. While Steph shimmies and dances around the court, Thompson typically stays more reserved and quiet.
But it’s time we honor Klay Thompson for what he is. Yes, I’m sure many people will argue in his favor that he could actually be the best shooter in the NBA (and I don’t disagree), I’m going to argue one step further:
Klay Thompson has the best celebrations in the National Basketball Association.
So why are Klay’s celebrations so perfect?
It’s because they’re extremely imperfect. They’re human. They’re honest. They’re a bit awkward and uncomfortable. But they’re pure. They’re so, so pure. And when you see Klay Thompson putting out that much emotion into something, you know how important it is to him. And it becomes that important to you, too.
The first time I ever realized Klay’s true potential in this manner was when he hyped up Steph Curry’s return in the 2016 playoffs. As Curry screamed “I’m back!” Thompson was right there with him yelling, “He’s back!” in the best way any hype man could.
"I'm Back!" pic.twitter.com/uOBuyjhCEX
— NBA (@NBA) May 10, 2016
Klay celebrates for his teammates. He celebrates for himself. He celebrates for the damn game of basketball. Let’s take a look at his best moments:
When he raised the roof for an Andre Iguodala dunk in the year 2016.
guys. klay thompson raised the roof after that iggy dunk. im gone. pic.twitter.com/coCo2buvuR
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) April 23, 2017
When he blew a kiss to the crowd
you can enjoy KD all you want but i am here for the klay thompson show pic.twitter.com/eVEHjsz6VX
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) May 15, 2018
When he was surprised by how good he is
klay's reaction watching the shot is the best god damned thing pic.twitter.com/SKVQE3rEvD
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) April 29, 2018
This wild jump/celebration ting
we are watching klay thompson's celebration on loop for the rest of time pic.twitter.com/cwv2KUdq5r
— Whitney Medworth (@its_whitney) May 2, 2018
The time he celebrated Steph Curry’s shot too early
Bonus footage: The time he took off his shoe at Steph Curry’s birthday party
Klay Thompson at Steph Curry’s 30th birthday party. pic.twitter.com/7IhjrkmfSz
— Leading NBA (@LeadingNBA) March 13, 2018
Plus, look at all of these photos
Never change, Klay. Please. Really. Don’t.