The Sacramento Kings eliminated the Golden State Warriors from the 2024 postseason, marking a significant shift in the teams’ rivalry.
The Warriors had dominated the Kings in previous seasons, winning 23 out of 30 games. However, the Kings made their first playoffs appearance last season and almost defeated the Warriors in a seven-game series.
This time, in the Play-In Tournament, the Kings emerged victorious.
Klay Thompson soaking it all in before leaving the court 😢 pic.twitter.com/YUlvwxUcEL
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 17, 2024
The end of the Warriors’ dynasty is approaching, as their core superstars may be on the verge of breaking up. Klay Thompson, one half of the Splash Brothers, will become a free agent this offseason.
He has seen a decline in performance, even being replaced by rookie Brandin Podziemski as a starter at one point. Although the Warriors offered Thompson a two-year extension last year, it’s uncertain if they will be able to meet his demands.
Klay Thompson goes 0-of-10 shooting in Sacramento elimination game and exits to an unknown Warriors future. Here he is walking off the court. Largest GSW offseason question is whether he will wear this jersey again. pic.twitter.com/UEhaufsc0W
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) April 17, 2024
Thompson may find a favorable market for his shooting abilities, as other teams with cap space are in need of his skills.
One potential suitor is the Orlando Magic, who have the salary cap flexibility to offer Thompson a higher immediate cap figure on a shorter deal. The Magic’s strong defense can compensate for any defensive shortcomings from Thompson.
The Warriors have accumulated significant luxury tax bills in recent years, and their owner, Joe Lacob, hopes to avoid it next season.
However, retaining Thompson and potential extensions for young players like Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody could push their payroll back into the luxury tax territory, making it challenging to improve the roster.
In the end, the decision to retain Thompson depends on whether the Warriors believe it is worth the investment for a team that finished 10th in the Western Conference.
Head coach Steve Kerr draws parallels to the end of the Chicago Bulls’ dynasty, where contracts expiring in 1998 led to the team’s disbandment. The Warriors may face a similar situation now.
Damn pic.twitter.com/K91inH1qcj
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) April 17, 2024
While the Warriors have enjoyed tremendous success, it seems unlikely that they can squeeze out any more championships with their current roster.
The Kings’ rise as a contender highlights the inevitable end of the Warriors’ legendary run. Thompson may have played his last game as a Warrior, and the end of an era is near.
Fans reacted as follows.
Klay had a bad game and this likely is the end of his time time with the Warriors
But don’t let it get it lost how important that guy was to every part of that Warriors team’s success. Cool to see him soak it in
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) April 17, 2024
He knows it’s his last game in the NBA 😔
— JBond 🍌 (@jbondwagon) April 17, 2024
He’s packed up and either will be a lakers or off to Orlando for the Bag.
— FADDE (@fadde) April 17, 2024
it’s been a pleasure watching you mr thompson🫡
— reece (@WannaBeReece) April 17, 2024
I feel bad man, he’s gone through so much with injury and I know they had their run but it sucks seeing him as such a shell of himself
— Booming Basketball (@BoomingBBall) April 17, 2024
Klay just doesn't have it anymore.
— Out Fox Sports (@MarkHolder27) April 17, 2024
Don’t know why the fans didn’t wanna listen to what I been saying all season if Kerr don’t switch his lineups and stop running two and 3 pg lineups we won’t make the playoffs….Moody should have been playing way more …JK and MM should have played together with Steph and Wiggins
— Efeso100 (@Efeso1001) April 17, 2024
Flashing them 4 rings all season for him to go scoreless in the biggest game of the season lol
— AUX (@TokyoAux) April 17, 2024
Easy to bag on him, but he’s won the Warriors more games than he’s lost them. With that said, if he wants to be a starter, it can’t be on the Warriors.
— Bobby Geee (@B0bbyGeee) April 17, 2024
The worst part about it, is that he didn’t put it all on the line!
— Anthony Vasquez (@VasquezAnthony) April 17, 2024
Klay never showed up for Warriors any day and time he's needed most. I believe his time is up. Warriors need to focus on young talents to rebuild. Because everyone has a time and limit. Truly,Klay's time on basketball is up.
— Ugo (@fugobil) April 17, 2024
I hate how social media is dragging this man who helped deliver 4 championships with grace, fortitude & humility. Heartwrenchibg to watch him tonight but as a fan, I have nothing but love & admiration for the man who persevered, & BTW, led the LEAGUE in free throw % this year.
— NikiS (@nikisolisSF) April 17, 2024
Their biggest mistake was trading for Chris Paul. Chris Paul never made sense for this team. They needed another scorer. They had it and fave it up for Chris Paul lmao
— Jordan (@AirJordan1987) April 17, 2024
he needs to be arrested
— __ (@Witwickee) April 17, 2024
We'll see him at the Jersey Retirement. I'm pretty much over him at this point lmao
— rodlo 🪬 (@roddystr) April 17, 2024
exactly why i hated the fact we’re in the play in… all they have to do is double/triple steph for one game and it’s over
— __ (@Witwickee) April 17, 2024
At this point I wouldn’t be upset if they try to get klay a bucket in case this is his last game with the warriors
— Nikhil (@nikhilt__) April 17, 2024
Klays 37 in a quarter was against the kings… we’ve come a long way
— Arjun Natarajan (@arjunnatarajan_) April 17, 2024
