Feb. 13--Klay Thompson is shooting 42 percent from 3-point range and his Warriors are an NBA-record 48-4 at the All-Star break.
So it isn't a surprise the All-Star guard is on target in assessing the ultimate win-win situation -- whether this season's Warriors will break the 1995-96 Bulls' 72-10 mark.
"If we don't get it, Coach (Steve) Kerr still has the record," Thompson said with a sly grin. "If we do, he gets it again."
Indeed, Kerr averaged 8.4 points while playing all 82 games in a reserve role during that record-breaking season.
The Warriors need to go 25-5 after the break to break the Bulls' mark.
"Growing up as a sports fan, that's one of those records you thought was untouchable," Thompson said. "Just to be in the conversation with that Bulls team is really special. It means we're reaching great heights.
"Obviously, it doesn't mean a thing if you don't win the ring. But if we can do both, it has to be one of the most special seasons in sports history. It would be such a privilege to be a part of."
All three Warriors here for the All-Star Game -- Thompson, Draymond Green and reigning most valuable player Stephen Curry -- said the record isn't something talked about much within the organization. Thompson said Kerr only shares stories from his playing days when asked and they're typically delivered with Kerr's noted dry sense of humor.
"(Chasing the record) matters mostly because it's all part of winning and building good habits," Curry said.
The Warriors' respect for the record is palpable.
"I know how deep they were," Thompson said. "They had great bigs. They had obviously the best player in the world at the time in MJ. It's easy to fall in love with what Michael (Jordan) was doing. But he had such a great supporting cast around him. That's what people forget. He didn't win 72 games by himself."
The Bulls' record began their second three-peat. The Warriors are trying to repeat.
"Everyone knows that's the main goal," Thompson said. "But it would be sweet to get 73; I'm not going to lie."
Hall call: Shaquille O'Neal, Allen Iverson, Tom Izzo, Bo Ryan and Sheryl Swoopes were among 14 finalists announced for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Class of 2016 will be announced April 4 at the NCAA's Final Four.
Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and former general manager Jerry Krause were named finalists in the contributor category in December.
Layups: Heat forward Chris Bosh, a former Raptor, dropped out of All-Star weekend with a strained calf. Hawks' Al Horford replaced him for Sunday's game. Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum takes his 3-point shootout slot. ... Jimmy Butler on tepid Pau Gasol trade rumors: "I love playing with Pau. He gives me a lot of easy baskets."
