The scene following Tuesday’s loss in the NBA Play-In Tournament for the Golden State Warriors was a somber one. It felt like everyone in the organization was coming to the harsh realization that their dynasty was coming to an end.
Golden State just never looked comfortable in their game against the Sacramento Kings, as their offense never got on track. Sacramento deserves credit for limiting Stephen Curry, who scored a team-high 22 points, while not allowing anyone else on the team to get on track.
Defensively, the Warriors did a solid job overall when it came to shooting percentage. But they were burned on the perimeter, as the Kings shot 46.2 percent from 3-point range en route to a 118-94 victory.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Updates
After the game, attention turned to Klay Thompson, as this could have been the final time he suited up for the Warriors. He is set to hit free agency this summer and it is anyone’s guess if he will return at this point or not.
If this was his final game, Thompson made it a historic one, but not for any reason a player would want to be remembered. He had arguably the worst game of his NBA career, as his 0-for-10 is the most missed shots without a make in a playoff or Play-In Game in Warriors history.
After the game, he spoke about a possible exit from the team. Some of his teammates, such as Draymond Green, did as well. Green essentially put the Warriors on notice about making any moves that include moving on from Thompson.
“[Klay is] going to make the best decision for him, the team’s got a decision to make and they’ll make the best decision for the team. … I don’t think there’s any scenario where Klay leaves and that’s the best decision for this team and organization,” Green said. “[The organization] has shown nothing but respect, loyalty, love and trust. I’ve got no reason to think, oh man, they’re not going to do right by Klay.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors Updates
“I have no reason to think that our ownership group isn’t going to take care of us the way we have taken care of this organization.”
It certainly would look weird for Thompson to play for another NBA franchise. He has spent his entire career to this point in Golden State, along with Curry and Green. But, at the end of the day, the NBA is a business.
The Warriors are going to do what they believe is best for them, just as Thompson should do what he feels is best for himself. Parting of the ways would be difficult, but at this point, it could be what is best for both sides.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.
