Klay Thompson compares G1C atmosphere to 2016 NBA Finals

Aug 8, 2023, 11:39 AM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 30: Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors attempts a three ...

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

Three months removed from the hard-fought seven-game NBA Playoff series against the Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors sharpshooter Klay Thompson is still impressed by Golden 1 Center’s postseason atmosphere.

During the latest edition of Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George’s podcast, Podcast P with Paul George, the eight-time All-Star was joined by Thompson to discuss a wide range of basketball-related topics.

While reflecting on Golden State’s 2022-23 season, Thompson stopped to give the Kings and its fanbase some props for their performance during the franchise’s first playoff run in 16 years.

Warning: NSFW language

Klay gives the Kings and their fans love on the latest Podcast P:https://t.co/N5Qn5JIiGA pic.twitter.com/mPpGHxpcmO

— Deuce Mason (@DeuceMason) August 7, 2023

“We beat a tough Sacramento team, I mean, that was crazy last year,” Thompson said. “You could tell that they hadn’t been to the playoffs in 16 years. Like [expletive], it was loud. I haven’t heard it that loud since the Cleveland days, 2016. Game 6 in the Finals.”

This isn’t the first time that Thompson has given Sacramento and its fanbase praise since the postseason, as the five-time NBA All-Star stated that the franchise has “a bright future” following the Warriors’ win in Game 7 on April 30th.

A lot of Thompson’s respect for Sacramento is likely motivated by former Golden State assistant and current Kings head coach Mike Brown, who recently received his second NBA Coach of the Year award.

During the podcast, Thompson paid Brown and the up-and-coming Kings more respect, stating that Brown and Sacramento “won’t be going nowhere.”

“They’re a pesky team. They have some quick guards and Sabonis,” Thompson said. “It was good beating them. I’m sure they won’t be going nowhere with Mike [Brown] at the helm. It was tough.”

With the 2022-23 season entirely in the rearview and teams beginning to prepare for the 2023-24 campaign, Sacramento will look to build off its first playoff berth since 2006.

After listening to Thompson’s comments about the Kings and their fans, one thing is certain: Sacramento is on its way to becoming one of the greatest home-court advantages in sports.