Steph reveals what he would have done in canceled pre-match speech for Klay originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson the return to Chase Center on Tuesday was epic; between Steph Curry’s and good releases from long-time Splash Brother, Warriors 120-117 defeat the Dallas Mavericks and the energetic crowd, nothing could have gone better.
However, Curry and Golden State coach Steve Kerr were scheduled to give a pregame speech about Thompson before the pair of warriors scrapped it.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Curry explained why he didn’t give the planned speech and what he would have said if it had come to pass.
“From my perspective, it was more of an acknowledgment from the fans, and I don’t think I needed to say anything to explain that,” Curry said. “It was pretty obvious when we got here for two-line layups and after the tribute video it was going to speak pretty loud. Obviously it’s not about me, it’s about what he meant to the Bay Area, to our franchise, to all the fans who watched him from 2011 to last year.
“I think it was really well done from an organizational standpoint. The fans did their thing, and Draymond and I were able to be part of the standing ovation he deserved.
It’s hard to argue with Curry
Of course, a heartfelt speech from Curry wouldn’t have spoiled any mood. But the efforts of the Chase Center crowd and the Warriors organization were more than enough.
Additionally, Curry could talk about Thompson privately during his free time.
“I would have said pretty much what I just said,” Curry reiterated. “Like, it’s about all of you.” We all have our moments behind the scenes or between us where we can recognize what we all meant to each other. But you’ve given your life to this game, you know, your entire career, and we’ve been blessed to be able to play in front of just one fan base for so long, so no words I would have said would have been enough. justice.
“It was for the 19,000 people in the building.”
From the time he entered the Chase Center until the end of the game, Thompson received numerous applause that sent shivers down his spine. And Curry did his part when it came to basketball, giving the crowd and Thompson plenty of reasons to rejoice and be amazed.
San Francisco — and Oakland — may no longer be what Thompson, a Dallas Mavericks guard, calls home as a basketball player. But as a person and an icon, the Bay will forever be where the Splash Brother belongs.
Tuesday brought back all the feels. And Curry knew that nothing in a speech would be able to evoke the passion and competitive love that was on the court for Warriors and Thompson fans in any capacity.
Curry’s speech was never revealed, but he correctly knew it wasn’t needed before, during or after Thompson’s return.
