Nobody is going to question Klay Thompson’s toughness.
The Warriors star had been on fire for the entirety of the NBA Finals, and Thursday’s Game 6 was no different. Yet, as Thompson drove to the basket in the third, Danny Green contested the dunk attempt, causing an awkward landing by Thompson.
Thompson hit the ground hard and immediately grabbed his knee, writhing in pain. Given the Warriors’ injury situation, losing Thompson was the absolute last thing Golden State needed.
That was when NBA rules put Thompson’s toughness on display. Since Green’s foul wasn’t ruled a flagrant, Thompson would need to attempt the free throws if he wanted to be eligible to return to the game.
Thompson was informed of the rule as he was making his way to the locker room. He turned around in the tunnel and came out to a raucous ovation.
Klay would hit both free throws and wanted to remain in the game.
In the fourth quarter, though, the Warriors would rule Thompson out with that knee injury. He told his father that he didn’t hear any pops in his knee, according to the broadcast. He was later seen with crutches.
He’d end his night with 30 points.
