Without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the Golden State Warriors would have never become the team that they are today. The Splash Brothers had a huge impact on the modern-day league.
If it weren't for the two superstars making so many three-pointers season after season, the other teams in the league might have never adapted the same playing styles as the Dubs.
During the 2010s, Curry and Thompson led the Warriors to three NBA Championships in five NBA Finals appearances. But after the 2019 NBA Finals, the Warriors hit a bump on the road.
Klay suffered an excruciating injury that sidelined him for a season. Later on, Curry also suffered an injury to his hand that further dug the hole deeper for the Warriors. While Steph made a return last season, fate had another injury lined up for the other half of the Splash Brothers.
In the 2021-22 NBA season, Klay finally returned to the team and since his return, the Warriors are looking like a completely different team. The two superstars, along with the aid of Andrew Wiggins, Jordan Poole, and Draymond Green, have now qualified for the 2022 NBA Finals.
Advancing to the Finals is a huge deal, but it is an even bigger accomplishment for a team that was written off by the fans after a couple of poor seasons. On Klay's return to the NBA Finals, Curry was understandably emotional, delivering a great postgame speech talking about how his longtime teammate and friend made a comeback.
"Dub Nation knows what he's about. What he brings to our team on both ends of the floor and just the heart and determination. We saw what he went through these last two years, every single day rehabbing, grinding, putting his body back on the line to be that guy here. For this moment."
As Curry mentioned, Klay gave his 100% to ensure that he makes a comeback to the league and helps his team win a few more rings before their time is over.
They now have a shot at doing so against either the Miami Heat or the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. If the Warriors win this year, it will certainly cement the legacy of the Splash Bros. as one of the greatest duos to ever play in the NBA. But will they be able to do so? We'll find out very soon.
This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
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