28 May 2016, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.The Golden State Warriors face the Thunder in a critical situation. Trailing 3-1 in this Western Conference Finals, the Warriors won Game 5 to make it 3-2. But it was in Game 6 that Klay Thompson made history, delivering a legendary performance: an all-time record of 11 three-pointers made in the playoffs, forcing a Game 7.

 

“I think everything was meant to happen this way, it was destiny” – Klay Thompson.

 

That season, the Splash Brothers dazzled the league with their exceptional three-point shooting, leading the Warriors to a record-breaking 73 wins and 9 losses, a feat still unmatched. However, this Western Conference Finals against the Thunder, featuring Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka, proved to be a true battle.

 

An exceptional season, a flawless journey until OKC

In the first round of the playoffs, the Warriors eliminated James Harden’s Houston Rockets in five games (4-1). Klay and Steph shone, delivering a quick and decisive domination.

In the semifinals, they faced Damian Lillard’s Portland Trail Blazers. Confident from their previous performance, the Warriors imposed their game. Only Lillard managed to make a difference in Game 3. Golden State concluded the series in five games (4-1).

In the conference finals, the Warriors encountered a blazing Thunder. During the first four games, Golden State struggled to contain the formidable trio of Durant, Westbrook, and Ibaka. The Thunder’s dominance was such that Klay later admitted :

 

“Not many teams can pass off Draymond as a small defenseman but their interior line was huge.” – Klay Thompson.

 

After another defeat in Game 4, the Warriors are on the brink, trailing 3-1. The feat seems improbable, but Steve Kerr’s men lift their heads in Game 5 and hold the lead, reducing the gap to 3-2.

 

Game 6 : The Warriors Revival

Game 6, on one side we have a Thunder team eager to finish and reach the finals, and on the other, the Warriors, on their knees, trying to get back up.

The Thunder dominated the first three quarters. Trailing 83-75 at the start of the final quarter, the Warriors seemed on the brink of collapse. But then Stephen Curry approached his teammate and whispered some decisive words :

 

“Steph came to me and said it was my moment. I took him at his word and tried to be aggressive” – Klay Thompson.

 

This kind of initiative is what distinguishes a player of Steph’s caliber. Just imagine the level of objectivity required to accept that it’s not your day and pass the torch to your teammate.

But Killa Klay knows it’s now up to him to carry his team. Having already made six three-pointers in the first three quarters, Klay then delivered an incredible end to the game, as if inspired by a double awakening. Here are the highlights of his final quarter :

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  • 11:26 – Klay’s 3-pointer : 83-78 OKC
  • 9:54 – Klay’s 3-pointer : 83-81 OKC
  • 8:37 – Klay’s 3-pointer : 89-84 OKC
  • 4:57 – Klay’s 3-pointer : 96-92 OKC
  • 1:35 – Klay’s 3-pointer : 104-101 Warriors

“He is incredible. When he gets into this kind of zone, he literally carries us. Tonight, we saw why he is one of the best shooters in history.” – Stephen Curry.

 

In the final minute, Westbrook lost three crucial possessions, while Curry and Klay sealed the game with decisive points. The final buzzer sounded: 108-101 Warriors. Golden State tied the series (3-3) and forced a Game 7.