NBA

Warriors’ Draymond Green jokingly reflects on former teammate Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green commented about the intensity of NBA games and fondly recalled his former teammate Klay Thompson.

Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the second half of a game
© Michael Owens / GettyDraymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call during the second half of a game

Golden State Warriors are riding a wave of momentum, coming off what may be their most important stretch of the season. With back-to-back wins over direct NBA Western Conference rivals—the Grizzlies, Lakers, and Nuggets—the Dubs are peaking at the right time. Stephen Curry has been electric on offense, while Draymond Green continues to anchor the team with elite-level defense and high basketball IQ and remember former teammate Klay Thompson.

Following Golden State’s 118–104 win over Denver on Friday night, Green stole a moment during the postgame press conference to make a light-hearted reference to his longtime teammate and friend, Klay Thompson. “I feel like I sound like Klay Thompson up here. I’m exhausted,” Green joked, per 95.7 The Game.

Green logged 8 points in 30 minutes of play, but—as always—his impact went far beyond the box score. His defensive awareness, leadership, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses continue to be vital, particularly in high-stakes games.

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Playoff positioning heats up

With the win, the Warriors improve to 46–31, holding onto the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. With just a handful of games remaining, Golden State is looking to climb at least one more spot in the standings—while staying wary of how volatile the West can be this late in the season.

Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics

Andre Iguodala #9, Draymond Green #23, Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors pose for a photo after defeating the Boston Celtics

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Curry: “We know how to win games”

While several Warriors have stepped up recently, none have been more impactful than Stephen Curry. The two-time MVP has caught fire offensively, including back-to-back 36+ point performances and a show-stopping 52-point explosion against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Dallas’ Anthony Davis, Klay Thompson under the spotlight after honest remarks from coach Jason Kidd

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After the win over Denver, Curry was asked whether he believed the team is playing at a NBA championship level. His response was confident but grounded: “We’re playing like that. But I’ve been saying from the start that we have a lot of work to do. You’re seeing our identity, night to night. We know how to win games.”

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Jimmy Butler catching fire in the East

Out East, another star is heating up at just the right time. Jimmy Butler has been leading a late-season charge for the Miami Heat, helping the team win 21 of their last 25 games. Known for his ability to elevate his play when it matters most, Butler’s postseason reputation is once again being validated by his current form.

As the playoffs approach, both the Warriors and Heat are emerging as dangerous teams—backed by veteran leadership like Green, postseason pedigree, and two of the fiercest competitors in the league in Curry and Butler.

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