"He was just literally a shoulder for me to lean on during times when it just looked bad" - Klay Thompson on hugging Rick Celebrini after Warriors' championship win

Rick Celebrini and Klay Thompson shared an emotional moment after the Golden State Warriors dispatched the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. [Photo: Twitter]

Klay Thompson’s return from an injury layoff that lasted more than two years proved to be a script that even Hollywood could not have envisioned. Partly responsible for his incredible comeback is the Golden State Warriors' director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini.

After the Warriors saw off the Boston Celtics in Game 6 of the 2022 Finals, “Killa Klay” immediately went to Celebrini for an emotional hug. On an episode of "Point Forward," the four-time champion opened up about the hug and the journey he embarked on with the Warriors’ renowned trainer. He said:

“Gosh, there were some tough days where I don’t wanna listen or I don’t wanna do anything and I would get mad at him and just be mean like, ‘Nah, Rick doesn’t know what he’s doing.’”

Thompson added:

“He was just literally a shoulder for me to lean on during times when it just looked bad, like in the chatter, ‘No one’s ever come back from it, two [major injuries] back-to-back.”

A very emotional Klay 😢 https://t.co/F59EHdEHMC

The numbers that Klay Thompson will forever remember are 941 and 1099. The first number referred to the days it took for Thompson to play his first game after returning from the injury.

The second number refers to the time between tearing his ACL in the 2019 championship series to clinching the 202102022 title.

Torn ACL, Torn Achilles, 941 days until his return to NBA action, and now Klay Thompson is BACK in the NBA Finals…Nothing but respect for Klay. 🔥✊ https://t.co/iXR79bSy5G

Also Checkout:- Klay Thompson Net Worth

1099 days. What a comeback story! 🤯

Klay Thompson is a true WARRIOR 🏆💪 https://t.co/D20XuOPyvZ

In an interview after Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Klay Thompson acknowledged the work he did with Celebrini:

“Just to stay with it, just calf raise after calf raise, underwater treadmill, so many days not even touching a ball. Then to go through this season with the ups and downs, and even these playoffs, I'm just at a loss for words at times. Because I knew this was possible, but to be here in real-time, holy cannoli.”

Draymond Green also toasted Rick Celebrini after Klay Thompson's appreciative words

Draymond Green and Klay Thompson have worked extensively with Rick Celebrini in the past. [Photo: NBC Sports]

Draymond Green and Klay Thompson played for only a few seconds during the latter’s return to action. The former Defensive Player of the Year winner suffered lower back issues and missed a number of games during the regular season.

Before Green went down with an injury, the Warriors were neck and neck with the Phoenix Suns for the best record in the NBA. They were 29-8 with the charismatic forward in the lineup before going 14-14 in his absence.

The four-time All-Star made sure the Dub Nation knew how crucial Rick Celebrini was in his return:

“11 weeks ago I could barely walk ... About four weeks ago I had the gimpiest run you'd ever seen ... About 2.5 weeks ago I couldn't dunk a basketball... I'm very thankful for Rick (Celebrini) and his family ... ”

Draymond Green gives high praise for Warriors' head trainer Rick Celebrini:

"11 weeks ago I could barely walk...about 4 weeks ago I had the gimpiest run you'd ever seen...about 2.5 weeks ago I couldn't dunk a basketball...I'm very thankful for Rick(Celebrini) and his family..."

Both Green and Thompson ultimately played starring roles as the Warriors picked up their fourth championship in eight years.