Klay Thompson may now don the jersey of the Dallas Mavericks, but his legacy as a Golden State Warriors icon remains untouchable, etched in the annals of NBA history by his clutch performances. On May 28, 2016, in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Thompson erupted for 41 points, including 11-of-18 from three-point range, forcing a Game 7 and cementing his “Game 6 Klay” moniker. In a recent episode of the Draymond Green Show, as reported by Austin Veazey on May 31, 2025, Warriors forward Draymond Green shared intimate details of Thompson’s mindset that day, revealing a steely confidence that saved Golden State’s season. What drove Thompson’s historic performance, and why does this moment still resonate? Let’s dive into the making of a Warriors legend and the enduring allure of “Game 6 Klay.”
The Stakes and Thompson’s Heroics in 2016
The 2016 Western Conference Finals were a crucible for the Golden State Warriors, who trailed the Oklahoma City Thunder 3-1 in a series that tested their historic 73-win season. Facing elimination in Game 6 on May 28, 2016, at Chesapeake Energy Arena, the Warriors needed a miracle. Enter Klay Thompson, whose 41-point explosion, including a playoff-record 11 three-pointers on 18 attempts, turned the tide. As reported by MavericksGameday, Thompson’s performance, fueled by 14-of-30 field goals, not only secured a 108-101 victory but also forced a Game 7, which Golden State won to advance to the NBA Finals. Though the Warriors ultimately fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers after blowing a 3-1 lead, Thompson’s Game 6 heroics became a defining chapter in their dynasty.
Draymond Green’s recent recounting on his podcast adds a vivid layer to this lore. Green described Thompson’s unshakable confidence throughout the day, noting how he repeatedly assured the team, “Dray, I got us. There’s no chance we lose this game.” Green observed Thompson’s physical cues—twitching shoulders and a purposeful demeanor during shootaround—signaling a player locked in. Even when the Warriors trailed by 15 points, Thompson’s barrage of threes shifted the momentum, embodying the clutch mentality that earned him the “Game 6 Klay” nickname. This performance, against a Thunder team led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, showcased Thompson’s ability to rise under pressure, solidifying his status as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.
The Legacy of “Game 6 Klay” Across the Years
Thompson’s 2016 Game 6 was no fluke—it was the cornerstone of a pattern of playoff brilliance. As detailed in the MavericksGameday report, Thompson consistently delivered in critical Game 6 moments: 25 points in the 2016 NBA Finals against Cleveland, 35 points in the 2018 Western Conference Finals against Houston, 27 points in the 2019 Western Conference Semifinals against the Rockets, and 30 points in the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals against Memphis. These performances, often in do-or-die scenarios, highlight Thompson’s rare ability to perform when the stakes are highest, a trait that endeared him to Warriors fans and cemented his role in their four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022).
Green’s revelation offers insight into the mental fortitude behind these moments. Thompson’s calm assurance—“No way we’re losing this game, bro”—reflects a mindset forged through years of high-pressure games alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and coach Steve Kerr. Social media, particularly X, has amplified the “Game 6 Klay” legend, with fans sharing clips of his 2016 performance and Green’s podcast remarks, celebrating Thompson’s unflappable demeanor. Even as a Maverick in 2025, Thompson’s Warriors legacy endures, with his 11 three-pointers in Game 6 remaining a playoff record that underscores his place among the game’s elite shooters, alongside Curry and Ray Allen.
Why This Moment Still Captivates
The “Game 6 Klay” story resonates because it encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of playoff basketball. Thompson’s 2016 performance was a turning point for the Warriors, proving their resilience in a season of unprecedented expectations. Green’s anecdote humanizes this legend, revealing the camaraderie and trust that defined Golden State’s dynasty. For fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the Warriors’ golden era, especially as Thompson now plays for Dallas, facing his former team in games like their February 12, 2025, matchup at the American Airlines Center, as captured in MavericksGameday imagery.
This moment also reflects broader NBA narratives: the power of individual brilliance in team success and the emotional bonds between players. Green’s storytelling, shared on a platform like the Draymond Green Show, bridges past and present, keeping Thompson’s legacy alive for new generations. On X, fans debate whether “Game 6 Klay” surpasses other iconic playoff performances, with some calling it the greatest shooting display in postseason history. As Thompson continues his career with Dallas, this story underscores his enduring impact, reminding us why he remains a beloved figure in basketball lore, from Oracle Arena to the global stage.
Draymond Green’s revelation about Klay Thompson’s “Game 6 Klay” performance in 2016 is a window into one of the NBA’s most iconic moments, a night when a Warrior became a legend. Thompson’s 41-point, 11-three-point masterpiece against the Thunder, fueled by unshakable confidence, saved Golden State’s season and defined his clutch legacy. From his repeated Game 6 heroics to Green’s vivid storytelling, this saga captures the heart of the Warriors’ dynasty and Thompson’s place in basketball history. As fans relive the magic on X and beyond, “Game 6 Klay” remains a testament to the power of belief and brilliance under pressure, a story that continues to inspire long after Thompson traded his Warriors jersey for a Mavericks one.