Steph reveals what he would have said in a canceled speech to Klay before the game

Steph reveals what he would have said in a canceled speech to Klay before the game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Klay Thompson’s the return to Chase Center Tuesday was epic; between Steph Curry’s and his longtime Splash Brothers strong outing, the Warriors’ 120-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks and the energetic crowd, nothing could have gone better.

However, Curry and Golden State coach Steve Kerr was scheduled to give a pregame speech about Thompson before the pair of Warriors scrapped it.

Speaking to reporters after the win, Curry explained why he didn’t make the pre-planned speech and what he would have said if it happened.

“From my point of view, it was more about the fans recognizing him, and I don’t think I had to say anything to make that happen,” Curry said. “It was pretty obvious when we came out here for two-line layups, and after the tribute video, that would speak volumes. Obviously, it’s not about me, it’s about what he meant to the Bay Area, to our franchise, to all the fans who got to see him from 2011 to last year.

“I think it was really well done from an organizational standpoint. The fans did their thing and me and Draymond got to be a part of the standing ovation that he deserved.”

It’s hard to argue with Curry

Of course, a heartfelt speech from Curry wouldn’t have ruined any vibes. But the effort from the Chase Center crowd and the Warriors organization was more than adequate.

Plus, Curry could talk to and about Thompson privately on his own time.

“I would have said what I just said, pretty much,” Curry reiterated. “Like, it’s about all of you. We all have our moments behind the scenes or between us where we can recognize what we all meant to each other. But you give your life to this game, you know, for your whole career, and we’ve been blessed to be able to play in front of one fan base for so long that no words I would have said would have done it justice.

“It was for the 19,000 people in the building.”

From his entrance into the Chase Center to the end of the game, Thompson received plenty of chill-inducing applause. And Curry did his part basketball-wise, giving the crowd and Thompson plenty of reasons to rejoice in awe.

San Francisco — and Oakland — may not be what Thompson, a guard for the Dallas Mavericks, calls home anymore as a basketball player. But as a person and an icon, Bay will forever be where Splash Brother belongs.

Tuesday brought back all the emotions. And Curry knew nothing in a speech would be able to evoke the passion and competitive love that was on the court for Warriors and Thompson fans watching through every capacity.

Curry’s speech never came, but he rightly knew it wasn’t necessary before, during or after Thompson’s return.

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