Klay Thompson was on his way to another "Game 6 Klay" performance when disaster struck late in the third quarter.
The Warriors' sharpshooter was heading in for a dunk when he landed awkwardly on his left knee. He immediately grimaced in pain and left the court, only to return moments later to sink his two foul shots. If Klay didn't shoot the free throws, he would have been ineligible to return to the game.
Thompson then left the game for good and did not return. He finished with 30 points in 32 minutes of action, including a sparkling 8-of-12 shooting from the field and four 3-pointers. The Warriors struggled in his absence and wound up losing Game 6 -- and the NBA Finals -- 114-110 to the Raptors.
Many fellow NBA players tweeted their condolences for Klay and admired his toughness for returning to the court.
Damn Klay a real 🐕. I know that shi hurting. He need to get that checked after this free throw throw. If he didn't shoot em , he was done for the game— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) June 14, 2019
Sports
Klay on crutches man...kills me. These injuries are some bullsh*t!!!— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) June 14, 2019
Naaa bruh!!!!!!! No way!!!!— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 14, 2019
Injury's are the worst things in sports. Stay strong @KlayThompson— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) June 14, 2019
Prayers up for @klaythompson. It's tough seeing all these injuries.— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) June 14, 2019
The Warriors have not announced an update to Thompson's status yet. Warriors coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game that Klay thought he could come back after a "two-minute rest," but that ultimately was not the case.
Steve Kerr said Klay Thompson told him on his way off the court: "Just a two minute rest and I'll be ready." Next thing Kerr heard Klay was done for the night, crutching out of the arena.— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) June 14, 2019
Get well soon, Klay.
