Associated PressThe haters are out there. They always are.
But I dont trust anyone that doesnt enjoy watching the Golden State Warriors play basketball.
Down 3-1 in their Western Conference finals pairing with Oklahoma City, the Warriors have now forced a deciding Game 7 tonight in Oakland.
Most interesting of all, right now, is the play of Golden States Klay Thompson. ESPN.coms J. A. Adande featured the lower-profile half of the Splash Brothers today. I agree with everything.
I interviewed Thompson in the locker room at Vivint Arena, last season, not long after he had scored 37 points in a single quarter the previous week. I was surprised to find him alone, in an unassuming corner of the locker room, before they played the Jazz.
I asked Thompson if he had a minute to talk. All too often star players say, I dont do pregame interviews or talk to me after the game. Or just no.
Not Thompson. His response to my question: Sure.
He seemed low key, but happy, a well-adjusted person who happens to love basketball. He told me he tries to be great during warm-ups, because it sets the tone. He also said he imagines having a great night but fails all the time.
Regardless, seeing Thompson playing so well in high profile games is a good thing for the league and its fans. It would be easy for him to resent the attention that goes to two-time MVP teammate Stephen Curry. But he doesnt. Nor does he shun his fans.
Whether youre a Warriors fan or not, Thompson is a player to cheer.