Manu Ginobili became Klay Thompson’s inspiration to have an unforgettable night in the NBA

For the first time since his rookie season, Klay Thompson He started Thursday night as a substitute Warriors of the Golden State. He seemed strange and perhaps even disrespectful for a man who has already collected four rings. However, far from kicking, the experienced 34-year-old shooting guard, with 12 seasons under his belt, put his best foot forward and broke it all down in a 140-137 win over Utah Jazzon a new day in the NBA regular season.

Thompson scored 35 points in 28 minutes on the hardwood and surprised even more when he revealed he was inspired by the Argentine Emanuele Ginobili get the best possible return from the coach’s decision Steve Kerr to run it by the starting team.

“I found out in the morning that I was leaving the bank. We had a good talk with Steve and I could do two things: make a bad face or go out and respond on the pitch,” he said. And he did the same. In addition to the 35 points, he contributed two assists and six rebounds. “I think I did the latter and I did it very well tonight,” she said.

“You have to put your ego aside when it’s your turn to come off the bench. I thought of Manu Ginobili. He has four rings and a gold medal… And he’s been coming off the bench his entire career. “I don’t think anyone would say he doesn’t deserve to be in the Hall of Fame,” Thompson complimented the Bahía Blanca-born man who became a San Antonio Spurs legend.

And he closed, to leave no doubt about his admiration for the Argentine: “He is one of the greatest in history and I embraced this idea before the match“.

Ginobili is historically recognized as one of the best sixth men -the substitute with the most minutes on the court- in NBA history.

Despite all his talent, Gregg Popovich, the lifelong coach of the Texans franchise, understood that it would be better for the team if Manu came in as a catalyst from the bench. And this is how he became a symbol of the Spurs, forming an unforgettable trio with Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.