For the first time since 2014, the Golden State Warriors exited the postseason before reaching the finals. Fans were disappointed with the team's performance, and many wondered who was to blame for the early playoff exit.
The Warriors' postseason exit culminated in a hard-to-watch Game 6 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the team's efforts, they never managed to get a handle on the Lakers' athleticism, consistency, and cohesion.
The Warriors' series against the Lakers was intense and high-pressure. Steph Curry and the role players gave their all, but in the end, it wasn't enough. The pressure cooker ticked faster and faster, but Golden State's flame eventually dwindled.
The Warriors-Lakers series was a high-pressure situation that only intensified as the games progressed. Despite the Warriors' efforts to keep up with the Lakers, they were unable to match their opponents' consistency and athleticism.
The Warriors' series against the Lakers ended without any dramatic explosion. It was just a distant dream with a faint "poof" and two remaining thoughts: it was fun while it lasted, and if they had been perfect, they could have beaten them.
Klay Thompson, also known as "Game 6 Klay," had a disappointing performance in the 2022 NBA playoffs. In Game 6, he scored only eight points, going 3-of-19 from the field and 2-of-12 from the 3-point line. Unfortunately, this was not just a one-time occurrence, as he struggled throughout the series.
Lakers' defensive strategy and Thompson's poor form made him less effective. After his impressive Game 2, Thompson struggled with 3-point shots, going 10-for-36 in the next three games.
Thompson struggled on offense due to the Lakers' defense, resulting in missed shots and a -33 on the court in Game 6. His poor performance affected his defense as well.
Despite Curry's efforts to diversify his offensive production, including drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line when his 3-point shot was off, it wasn't enough to secure a win for the Warriors, especially with Thompson's struggles.
Thompson's shot selection has always been a point of concern for fans and even for Warriors' head coach Steve Kerr. ESPN's J.J. Redick offered a thoughtful