Klay Thompson’s clutch game-winner jump shot for the Golden State Warriors against the Sacramento Kings was met with well-deserved applause and celebration. However, the subtlety of Stephen Curry’s selfless decision in the critical moments leading up to that shot often goes unnoticed.
Klay Thompson’s Clutch Game-Winner
As the clock ticked down, Thompson found himself in a one-on-one situation against the smaller Davion Mitchell, with mere seconds left in the game. With the crowd at the Chase Center on the edge of their seats, Thompson made a trademark pull-up jump shot, securing the victory. It was his fifth-career go-ahead shot in the final 10 seconds of a game.
But what truly made this moment remarkable was Stephen Curry’s unselfish and intelligent play. As Curry crossed half-court, he saw former teammate Harrison Barnes and big man Domantas Sabonis converging to trap him. Understanding the situation and not trying to force the issue, Curry dished the ball to Draymond Green, a strategy the Warriors have executed countless times.
Draymond Green emphasized the importance of patience in such scenarios. He noted that the purpose of a trap is to speed up the ball handler and take the ball out of Curry’s hands. So, Green focused on maintaining composure and creating an opportunity for a good shot rather than panicking.
Here’s where Curry’s basketball IQ and selflessness came to the fore. After initially being missed on his cut with less than five seconds left, Curry continued to sprint hard through the lane, knowing that Barnes would stick to him. This created space for someone else, and that someone was Klay Thompson.
Curry’s trust in his teammates and his commitment to continuous movement on the court proved pivotal. He recognized that as long as they didn’t turn the ball over, they were likely to get a good shot. This trust in his teammates and his understanding of how to create opportunities even when he’s not the primary ball handler is a testament to Curry’s impact on the game.
In contrast, there are instances when players, even superstars, remove themselves from the play after being trapped. Trae Young, for example, has been criticized for a lack of off-ball movement. In a similar situation, Young gives up the ball but then fails to continue moving, effectively taking himself out of the play. This erases the potential four-on-three advantage that should arise after successfully passing out of a trap.
The key to the Warriors’ effectiveness with Curry on the floor lies in his off-ball movement, which creates open shots and driving lanes for his teammates. This was evident in Thompson’s game-winner, where Curry’s constant movement set the stage for the shot.
Stephen Curry’s unselfish decision to keep moving, even after being trapped, played a crucial role in Klay Thompson’s game-winning shot. It’s a testament to the Warriors’ trust in one another and Curry’s basketball intelligence, showcasing the beauty of teamwork and collective success in the NBA.
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