“If you’re out there talking to officials whole night, you might get in your own way” - Klay Thompson throws shade at Celtics players for complaining to officials ahead of pivotal Game 6
Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson fired shots at the Boston Celtics players for their frequent complaints to the officials during the NBA Finals. Celtics players and fans believe officiating hasn't favored them as much as the Warriors during the Finals.
Boston players constantly argued with the referees during their 104-94 Game 5 loss. After the game, they admitted that it distracted them from their goal of winning the tie.
Ime Udoka says there’s “too many conversations” going on with the referees. Says the Celtics need to put their energy into the game in Game 6, and not waste energy on other things.
Reporters asked Thompson if the Warriors fed off the Celtics' distractions, to which he responded by saying (via Warriors on NBCS Twitter):
“I don’t think we focus on it too much, to be honest. We have a next-play mentality. We’re just worried about getting a great shot up in those moments, not what the other team is talking about. Basketball is a very continuous game. If you’re out there talking to the officials the whole night, you might get in your own way.”
“If you’re out there talking to the officials the whole night, you might get in your own way.”
- Klay on the Celtics admitting the officiating affected them in Game 5 https://t.co/STYkwlvmxU
It has been a controversial series thus far. The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics have played with extreme physicality. Players from both sides have expressed dissatisfaction with refereeing on the court several times, but it's fair to say the Celtics have done it more often.
Boston Celtics should listen to Klay Thompson's advice
The Boston Celtics were heavily favored to win the championship before the NBA Finals started. The oddsmakers also favored them before Game 5. However, the Golden State Warriors' experience has come in handy so far, giving them a mental advantage over the young Celtics team
One of my concerns about Boston has been their clutch offense, combining their game 7 numbers against Miami and last night's final minutes against Golden State, Boston is 1-13 from the field. The one make was the Horford three. That is BRUTAL! ONE MADE FIELD GOAL, WOW!
The Celtics have often dug themselves into a hole during crunch situations. Jayson Tatum and co. have sought to draw fouls instead of sticking to their game plan and limiting their turnovers.
Jayson Tatum says he's looking to play more off two feet and less driving looking for fouls.
Tatum added, as Ime Udoka said, that looking for fouls isn't working. Said he needs to "attack angles more instead of initiating contact and things like that."
The Celtics should now take a leaf out of Klay Thompson's book and focus on what they can control. The Warriors have been to six NBA Finals in the last eight years, so they are aware of the adversity they may face due to external factors.
Klay Thompson on Game 6 Klay:
"It's obviously a nickname I've earned and I've lived up to it. But I don't wanna go in there and play hero ball."
From battling hostile crowds on the road to seeing calls go against them, Klay Thompson and company have maintained their composure throughout and are now one win away from sealing another title.
The Boston Celtics will have home court advantage in Thursday's contest. A bit more focus could help them potentially save the series and force a Game 7.