Klay Thompson: The Splash Brother Who Never Gives Up

- Klay Thompson is one of the most prolific and versatile players in the NBA. He is a four-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, and a member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He is also widely regarded as one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time, forming the legendary duo of the Splash Brothers with his teammate Stephen Curry. ¹²³

- But what makes Klay Thompson more than just a basketball star is his resilience and determination. He has overcome many challenges and setbacks in his career, from injuries to losses, and has always bounced back stronger and better. He is a true warrior, both on and off the court.

Early Life and College Career:

- Klay Thompson was born in Los Angeles, California, on February 8, 1990. His father, Mychal Thompson, was a former NBA player and the first overall pick of the 1978 NBA draft. His mother, Julie Thompson, was a volleyball player in college. Klay inherited his parents' athletic genes and passion for sports. He started playing basketball at a young age and attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School, where he led his team to a Division III State Championship in 2008. ¹

- He then went to Washington State University, where he played for three seasons under coach Tony Bennett. He was a two-time first-team all-conference selection in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) and the conference's leading scorer in his junior year. He also set the school's single-season record for three-pointers made with 98. He decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2011 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 11th overall pick. ¹

NBA Career and Achievements:

- Klay Thompson made an immediate impact in his rookie season, averaging 12.5 points per game and earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He also showed his potential as a three-point shooter, making 111 threes in his first year. He improved his scoring and shooting in his second season, averaging 16.6 points per game and making 211 threes, the most by any player in his first two seasons in NBA history. ¹

- In his third season

, he formed a formidable partnership with Stephen Curry, who also emerged as a star and a sharpshooter. Together, they set a then-NBA record with 484 combined three-pointers in a season, earning the nickname of the Splash Brothers. They also led the Warriors to their first playoff appearance in six years, where they reached the second round. ¹

- In his fourth season

Thompson reached new heights of excellence. He averaged a career-high 21.7 points per game and made 239 threes, the third-most in the league. He also had one of the most memorable performances in NBA history, when he scored 37 points in a single quarter against the Sacramento Kings, setting an NBA record for most points in a quarter. He also won the NBA Three-Point Contest during the All-Star Weekend, where he made his first All-Star appearance. He and Curry broke their own record with 525 combined threes in a season, the most by any duo in NBA history. They also led the Warriors to a franchise-record 67 wins and their first NBA championship since 1975, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games. ¹

- In his fifth season

Thompson continued to shine as a scorer and a shooter. He averaged 22.1 points per game and made 276 threes, the second-most in the league. He and Curry shattered their own record with 678 combined threes in a season, the most by any duo in NBA history. They also led the Warriors to a historic 73-9 record, the best in NBA history. They reached the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year, where they faced the Cavaliers again. However, they lost in seven games, despite Thompson's clutch performance in Game 6, where he scored 41 points and made 11 threes, tying the NBA record for most threes in a playoff game. ¹

- In his sixth season

Thompson bounced back from the heartbreaking loss and helped the Warriors reclaim their throne. He averaged 22.3 points per game and made 268 threes, the fourth-most in the league. He and Curry combined for 483 threes in a season, the second-most by any duo in NBA history. They also added Kevin Durant, another superstar and a former MVP, to their roster, forming a superteam. They dominated the league and reached the NBA Finals for the third straight year, where they faced the Cavaliers for the third time. They won the series in five games, with Thompson averaging 16.4 points per game and making 18 threes. He also played stellar defense on Kyrie Irving, the Cavaliers' star point guard. He won his second NBA championship and his first with Durant. ¹

- In his seventh season

Thompson maintained his high level of play and consistency. He averaged 20 points per game and made 229 threes, the sixth-most in the league. He and Curry combined for 402 threes in a season, the fourth-most by any duo in NBA history. They also welcomed back Andre Iguodala, a former Finals MVP and a key member of their championship teams, who had left the team in free agency. They reached the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year, where they faced the Cavaliers for the fourth time. They swept the series in four games, with Thompson averaging 15.8 points per game and making 11 threes. He also played excellent defense on LeBron James, the Cavaliers' superstar and the best player in the world. He won his third NBA championship and his second with Durant. ¹

- In his eighth season

Thompson faced some adversity and challenges. He averaged 21.5 points per game and made 241 threes, the fifth-most in the league. He and Curry combined for 354 threes in a season, the seventh-most by any duo in NBA history. However, he missed his first All-Star game since 2014, despite having similar numbers to his previous seasons. He also dealt with some injuries, missing 11 games in the regular season. He and the Warriors reached the NBA Finals for the fifth consecutive year, where they faced the Toronto Raptors, a new and formidable opponent. They lost the series in six games, with Thompson averaging 26.0 points per game and making 21 threes. He also suffered a devastating injury in Game 6, tearing his ACL in his left knee. He missed the entire 2019-20 season and the 2020-21 season due to his injury. ¹

- In his ninth season

Thompson made his long-awaited comeback and proved that he was still one of the best players in the league. He averaged 17.6 points per game and made 123 threes, the 10th-most in the league. He and Curry combined for 303 threes in a season, the 10th-most by any duo in NBA history. He also showed his toughness and durability, playing in 54 games in the regular season and 23 games in the playoffs. He and the Warriors reached the NBA Finals for the sixth consecutive year, where they faced the Los Angeles Lakers, their archrivals and the defending champions. They won the series in seven games, with Thompson averaging 18.9 points per game and making 25 threes. He also played lockdown defense on Anthony Davis, the Lakers' star big man. He won his fourth NBA championship and his third with Durant, who had returned to the team after missing two seasons with an Achilles injury. ²

Personal Life and Off-Court Activities

- Klay Thompson is not only a basketball player, but also a human being with a personality and a life outside of the court. He is known for his laid-back and humorous demeanor, often making jokes and having fun with his teammates and fans. He is also a dog lover, owning a bulldog named Rocco, who often accompanies him to games and events. He is also a philanthropist, donating money and time to various causes and charities, such as the Thompson Family Foundation, which supports youth and families in need. He is also an ambassador for the NBA Cares program, which promotes social responsibility and community involvement. He is also a businessman, endorsing several brands and products, such as Anta, BodyArmor, and CBDMD. He is also a co-founder of Just Live, a wellness company that offers CBD products. ¹

Conclusion

- Klay Thompson is one of the most accomplished and respected players in the NBA. He is a four-time NBA champion, a five-time NBA All-Star, a two-time All-NBA Third Team honoree, and a member of the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. He is also one of the greatest three-point shooters of all time, holding several records and accolades for his shooting prowess. He is also a resilient and determined warrior, who has overcome many .

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