The day before Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson addressed the media with the swagger of a man who knew he could produce instant offence. Thompson scored 28 points in Game 4, and assured reporters that Monday night’s elimination game against the Raptors would push the Warriors to play their best basketball.
But he also spoke as a veteran at the end of a lengthy season, who played Game 4 only after intensive treatment on a strained left hamstring. And even as he promised his squad could win Game 5, Thompson pondered the possibility that the Warriors’ quest for an elusive third straight NBA title could stop in Toronto, ending the team’s dynasty at the same time.