Fansided

10 reasons we’re thankful the NBA is back

By Joshua Axelrod

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Tyson Chandler #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers after he blocked the final shot of the game by Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks to win the the game at Staples Center on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Tyson Chandler #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers after he blocked the final shot of the game by Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks to win the the game at Staples Center on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA — MAY 31: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors exchange a high five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA — MAY 31: Klay Thompson #11 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors exchange a high five against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game One of the 2018 NBA Finals on May 31, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6. The Steph and Klay show

They were already unquestionably the best backcourt in the NBA — sorry, James Harden and CP3 — but Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have spent the early part of this NBA season reminding everyone just how otherworldly their shooting strokes still are. It’s kind of unfair that the best and second-best shooter in the league are on the same team, but here we are.

Curry looks like he wants to win another MVP award with how hot he’s been at times this season. He forced every single member of the Washington Wizards’ organization to enter witness protection when he dropped 51 points in three quarters on that hapless franchise on Oct. 24. Curry is playing with a fire we haven’t seen since the Warriors’ 73-win season. The entire league is on notice.

Not to be outdone, Thompson decided to steal Curry’s thunder on Oct. 29 by breaking his teammate’s own NBA record for three-pointers during a 149-124 win against the Chicago Bulls. Curry and Durant have been the faces of this dynasty, but the fact that Thompson has the potential to erupt like that on any given night is what makes these Warriors truly special.

It’s been a challenge for the Warriors to motivate themselves since Durant signed with them. That lackadaisical attitude cost them the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs last year and was one Chris Paul injury away from ending their dynasty altogether.

But now, it looks the team has found motivation within its own ranks. Their only competition is themselves, and the thought of Curry and Thompson spending the entire season trying to outdo each other should send a shiver down the spines of everyone in the NBA. The two are somehow more than ever must-watch TV, and a duo that the casual NBA fan should always be grateful for.

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