The Golden State Warriors have been one of the most successful NBA franchises in recent history. Moreover, they were able to form a long-standing core from just draft picks. The trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have brought much-needed success to the franchise. They won a championship in 2015, and when Kevin Durant teamed up with them, the Warriors would win two more titles in 2017 and 2018.

WATCH THIS STORY: When Will Ben Simmons Make His Season Debut for the Brooklyn Nets?

However, this super-team was unable to complete a three-peat as they fell to the hands of a talented Toronto Raptors squad led by Kawhi Leonard. Despite Kevin Durant suffering from an injury in Game 5, the Warriors were still able to win that match and trail 3-2 in the best of seven series. However, Klay Thompson suffered an injury in Game 6 and the Raptors closed out the game to win the title. In light of this, 2022 Raptors’ All-Star, Fred VanVleet, explained why the Raptors could still be champions even if Klay remained healthy.

The Raptors Would Have Still Defeated the Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson has always had a record of coming alive in tough situations. His accurate shooting and defense are the reasons why he always remains a threat in any game, especially when it is Game 6 of a playoff series. Take a look at his Game 6 performance against an OKC Thunder team that had KD in their roster at the time.

Trending

NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Durant & Warriors Deemed Each Other’s ‘Only Hope’ By Bay Area Veteran

May 14, 2024 02:57 AM EDT

“Biggest Fumble”: Kelsey Plum Flaunting Body in Kim Kardashian’s Skims Has Fans Questioning Ex-Hubby Darren Waller’s Divorce Decision

May 13, 2024 07:07 PM EDT

Michael Jordan’s “Yellow Cat Eyes” Inspired $141 Billion Worth Nike’s Product, Dwyane Wade Claims

May 09, 2024 07:45 AM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s Absence From “Inside the NBA” Is Due to TNT’s Uncertain Future, as Per Reports

May 15, 2024 07:32 AM EDT

“Rest in Peace”: Isiah Thomas Mourns Devastating Demise of 6x Grammy Awardee After Long Cancer Battle

May 14, 2024 04:01 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

READ MORE: Klay Thompson Left In Utter Disbelief That Warriors Rookie Did Not Make the NBA Rising Stars Game

So it was the same story in the 2019 finals as well. Thompson came alive in Game 6 for the Warriors but would suffer an injury during the game. This led to several people having the opinion that the Warriors could’ve won the title had Klay not been injured. Due to this, 2022 Raptor’s All-Star recenlty explained why his team would have still won the 2019 title even if Klay remained injury free.

“I don’t agree with that, but at the same time, I could see that argument. Him (Klay Thompson) in those Game 6s, he got a super catalog of those crazy games where it’s hard to beat him,” said VanVleet.

“I felt like we were a much better team than y’all without Kevin because we had the depth and there was certain matchups that we could pick on,” he explained.

Furthermore, VanVleet explained that the Warriors had put new faces on the floor against the Raptors, which was an unusual move on their part. So this allowed the Raptors to take advantage of them and win the series and the title.

Do you agree with Fred’s take? Let us know in the comments below.