Klay Thompson Sees Parallels Between 2023 Miami Heat And Golden State Warriors

Anthony Pasciolla | Apr 10, 2024

Apr 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11); Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat's 2023 Finals run gives them confidence ahead of this year's playoffs but is also inspiring another team in a similar situation.

The Golden State Warriors are the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, meaning the Play-In Tournament is nearly unavoidable. Outside of superstar Stephen Curry, the rest of the Warriors' once-star-studded lineup is regressing. Guard Klay Thompson remains hopeful of the team's chances thanks to the Heat's improbable run a year ago.

"We take a lot of motivation from the Heat last year who had to play two play-in games and made it all the way to the Finals," Thompson said. "I think we're capable of a run like that. We obviously can't look ahead, but whatever happens, we will be ready. We know that it can be done. There is no task too tall for us."

An 11-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks put the Heat one defeat away from missing the playoffs entirely. Instead, they took down the Chicago Bulls, earning them a matchup with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in the opening round. Coach Erik Spoelstra and his roster defeated the Bucks in five games, New York Knicks in six, and Boston Celtics in seven. The run was cut short by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals in a gentleman's sweep.

The Warriors' 2022 title was a bit of a surprise to fans, despite being the No. 3 seed. The road to the Finals is a mystery in the West, with the reigning champion Denver Nuggets as well as the inexperienced Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. This provides an opportunity for a team with endless amounts of postseason experience a chance at glory.

Anthony Pasciolla is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla