The main reason the Warriors are Shaq’s dark horse playoff choice is Klay.
Never discount the Warriors’ chances of making a deep postseason run. particularly with Steph Curry still competing.
Shaquille O’Neal, however, believes that Curry is not the reason Golden State, should they make it past the NBA Play-In Tournament, might be a formidable team in the postseason.
In the most recent installment of “The Big Podcast with Shaq,” co-host Adam Lefkoe questioned the Hall of Famer about his dark horse NBA playoff selection.
“Golden State Warriors … they’re going to bđť–Šat the Lakers if they play against the Lakers in the play-in,” claimed Shaq.
“And then if they do that, they probably play either the Thunder or the Timberwolves,” Lefkoe replied.
Shaq continued, “And they can bđť–Šat ’em.”
Even though it’s difficult to wager against a Curry-led team in the postseason, Shaq thinks the Warriors are dangerous because of players besides the two-time MVP.
It’s not, however (Curry). Klay Thompson is (it is). And then, Shaq said, “All I need is two games for a guy like that.” “Everyone will do what they do, but if you can get Klay to give me two games, then I know and respect that he’s not a jđť–Šrk.
Dogs will whine when confined to a corner, but they will bite when they are exhausted. He’s being killed by everyone at the moment; “oh, he’s coming off the bench,” “you lost it,” etc. He just needs to play one of those games where he feels like everyone is counting him out and his elbow is tucked in.”
It rđť–Šmains to be seen if the Warriors even qualify for the playoffs in the first place. But Thompson might be the spark that Golden State needs to pursue an NBA title if they manage to make it through the play-in round.
“Klay Thompson is the factor everybody’s not really counting on,” Shaq said. “We know what Steph’s going to do, but if I can get Klay for two or three games …”