Klay Thompson - Lockdown

Klay Thompson received a single point (meaning one second team vote) for the 2013-14 All-defensive team. That number jumped to 19 points this season (with three first team votes). That’s more than Marc Gasol (18), Serge Ibaka (8), and Mike Conley (6). In years prior, Marc Jackson tasked Klay with locking down the best team’s ball handler because he didn’t think Steph was up to snuff. It was basically a crash course in becoming a better defensive player, because what helps you learn to stay on your feet more than having to guard a Chris Paul, or a Mike Conley, or a Kyrie Irving?
With Steve Kerr trusting Curry to hold his own, Klay was freed to wreak more havoc on the defensive end. His length and lateral quickness really disrupted a lot of what teams were trying to do. Between the DPOY runner up in Draymond Green, to an all-defense stalwart in Andre Iguodala, the athletic Harrison Barnes, the lanky Shaun Livingston, and Barbosa, the Brazilian blur (standing 6’2’’ but with a 6’10 wingspan), the Dubs had a swarm of interchangable defenders that they unleashed on the league. That’s why Golden State had one of the best seasons in NBA history in terms of point differential (8th all-time) and were the best defense for the entire season.
You’ll see a lot of him picking off passes, and blocking shots, but I’d really like you to pay attention to how he stays in front of guys. He’s athletic, that’s not even a question, but he’s also smart with his body positioning. He knows how to force guys into help, and angles his body perfectly in order to bait players into what will be an incredible contest.
These plays are all pre-championship run (including some from before this season), you can find my video of his 2015 playoff defense highlights here: • Klay Thompson - Lockdo...
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[@Just4commentchannel]

i would hate to play him on the court...1st he'll lock you up then you gotta chase him down the court on a fast break while he drills a 3 in your face...rinse, repeat

[@gabriel.hongkong]

great comment. That defense will frustrate just about anyone.

[@moa3821]

he can move his feet really well

[@mauricemallari6365]

underrated defender. one of the best two way players in the league

[@_xthe_wildhogx_2309]

I really never thought he was a good defender. But he's obviously a better on ball defender than curry since he's always having to defend the best pg

[@vince3139]

probably the epitome of "3 and D"

[@rjnadon6498]

he can guard irving very well,

[@fpsfreak4079]

rogelio nadon yup.irving stopper

[@eliteduo2320]

He is underated he can block you with his height he can steal the ball with is strong quick arms and he can move his feet with you

[@Pandabearmadness]

i hope klay and curry stay together a long long time

[@jasonkirk1996]

+Pandabearmadness I would be very surprised if they decided to go separate ways. they have it too good right now. Only one I see leaving (possibly) is Harrison Barnes, but even then, it's not likely.

[@madsthehuman9111]

Dang man predicted the future.

[@habesha2935]

gojags 47 nope! We got kd and let Harrison go!

[@ChrisDodges123]

Habesha Now we're up in the Finals!!

[@Karma-hy6ki]

Pandabearmadness yea I can see kd leaving after winning his 3rd straight ring. But I doubt klay is leaving. In 2 years kd and klay are free agents and warriors prob won't be able to keep both of them

[@aszeto]

his defensive IQ really stands out to me. knows angles and accurately predicts passes to jump passing lanes, knows when a shots going up and when he needs to stay down, shadows his man on jab steps/step backs/etc.

[@derrionarrington]

When he becomes more discipline as a defender, he'll be the best. He fouls too much. That's the only flaw I see in him.

[@JimmyVu415]

+Derrion Arrington agreed

[@apt62]

+Derrion Arrington it seems like he let those foul gets to him mentally.

[@anhtuando9129]

I agree that he's a really smart defender and already disciplined. Against predictable offensive players like harden, he knows those guys got only a few moves so just predict their tendencies. Harden only got a few moves, the step back shot, the side step shot, the drive to the basket, basically all there is...Against opponents with tons of offensive moves Klay struggled a little because he'd guess wrong. Take Kyrie, who has 10x more moves, good with both hands, can lay up left/right, drop shots both hands, can shoot on top of his jump or hang in the air and shoot on his way down, mixes crossover drive and step back shots, can shoot midrange or three off the dribble or screen. The only thing Kyrie doesnt do is pump fake his shot..so Klay knows this, he run hard after Kyrie all the time and would jump if Kyrie takes up in the air. That resulted in more fouls on those players. Anyway, hard to play defense on Kyrie, I'd say only person can do better job than Klay is Kawhi because of longer arm length

[@loveneo5643]

AnhTuan Do stfu everything you said made no sense... you literally rode kyrie balls and hated on James harden to extreme extents goof. Especially since harden just averaged 36 ppg, is widely recognized as the most UNGUARDABLE player in the NBA, and isn’t even guarded primarily by klay bc if u watch the games Harden is being checked by iguadala, Durant, and green you liar. Gave no facts and said the same thing ab kyrie 3 different ways when talking ab his ambidextrous ability with the ball.

[@stiltzkinvanserine5164]

I love watching defenders like Klay. He's not the most athletic player, but he has good size and is incredibly smart.

[@northsouth3770]

What I like the most is the fact that he barely shows emotion but when he does play defense, you see his emotions comes out. I love that in a player.

[@mshabazz96ms]

Thompson doesn't get nearly the recognition he deserves for his on ball defense

[@hooshikcarapeti5550]

Excellent performance Klay Thompson, your athletic abilities, posture, defensive abilities lockdown, excellent 3 point shooter, To proof that you are very talented person. All athletes will kindly envy you. you will be overshadowed but don't be upset stay humble & smile as you have a beautiful smile. I love all your performances. Keep your talented splash brother happy.

[@masiahthomas1751]

Hooshik Carapeti gay

[@TheTariqibnziyad]

Hooshik Carapeti gay

[@mursyidakbar]

Hooshik Carapeti gay

[@zacharyjones7948]

What's wrong with you guys?? Like chill seriously.... You three guys are about the most imature guys I've ever come across. Its just shows what one idiots influence can do... I agree with you Carapeti.

[@grungical]

Zachary Jones super gay

[@leaharmss]

I can watch klay play all day

[@JG124_]

Make no mistake, Klay is one of the best defenders in the league.

[@Aesklauen]

an underrated defender, he's actually good worthy of a praise to actually defend good men, then gotta stop and pull up in your face and drop 60. such versatility.

[@Caramelletje]

He's an underrated defender because people tend to look at his amazing defense only. There's a lot of room for improvement but when he hopefully returns next season I feel like he'll have the potential to be one of the best two-way players in the league

[@travionewilliams6703]

Thanks I'm a HUGE Klay Thompson g fan

[@easilyidentifiable2347]

Most underrated defender and player as well as humble deserves a max contract night in night out defends the best player against each team

[@chrislee232445]

Shot can be cold, but defense wouldn't

[@user-kq4lr4sj1l]

If Klay Thompson wasn't in the warriors they were way bad than now. What a great player.

[@skurai]

He went a whole new level in game 1 tho

[@Earth517Phoenix]

He recovers quick from crossovers and defends without fouling...potential lockdown defender?

[@matthewjamal]

I don’t think theirs better evidence of Klay being one of the best two way players in the league. Great defense leading to a clean fundamental 3-pointer.

[@TheLOnelyMegic]

Underrated defender

[@stewiegriffinfan18]

+lapse I was surprised that he had that badge on 2K at first

[@snkhuong]

lmao this nigga and Kawhi make my 90 player look like a scrub

[@yoitsSmitty2004]

@@snkhuong fucking ouch I can hardly lockdown klay but kawhi my player makes him look like trash

[@lucasmartins7702]

James Harden appeared being blocked 10 times

[@danknasty661]

and hes only gonna get better, i love his 3 pointer, without a doubt the purest stroke in nba history, but the defense man, its beautiful

[@thediscoverystudio]

Now go straight to the KZbin search bar and type in "James Harden defense"

[@laicv9025]

Epic! 😂

[@garfieldarbackle3363]

Hahaha

[@motogp2375]

Andrew Hillman - goodluck with that one bro! Lmao

[@leaharmss]

Oh lordt🤭😂

[@felixanthonyaguilar9641]

Contrasting..

[@davidestillore5942]

Golden State is lucky to have him.

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Everyone talks about having a great 3 and D player. With the exception of Kawhi Leonard, no one does it better than Klay on the perimeter.

[@watashiwayos]

After watching this, why do I have this feeling that the KT's real talent and abilities hasn't come out yet? I mean he could do more... Impressive.

[@drek100sm]

These vids are the best man!

[@nadafinga9]

This is a nice change of pace from the usual offensive highlight videos.

[@ayonio5723]

Another great video!

[@skateboardinguitaris]

Bruh... Dude's solid

[@Miltonman100]

Ariza ariza ariza!Keep up the great work evin!

[@Georgethekid21]

Favorite player

[@victimsgalore6272]

I'm really looking foward to the iman shumpert lockdown video especially from his knick days as a rookie when he was just an animal on defense. I think MKG is also a good defender and deserves a video but maybe the clips would be hard to get since he plays for the bobcats/hornets.

[@EvinGualberto]

+melo fan It was pretty hard to get the Knick clips of quality, so the video is going to be exclusively from this season. Trust me, I REALLY wanted his Knick highlights...but hopefully down the line, I'll be able to do it.

[@SuperRockstar41]

that d against paul though..

[@ThaDreamMerchant]

That was textbook. Paul even gave him props.

[@skurai]

Amazing

[@jugsma6676]

Great Lockdown

[@kennethmarca7657]

emotionless assasin

[@yoitsSmitty2004]

Mans got that laid back personality in basketball

[@brbosen]

Cant wait to get this superstar back in the starting lineup

[@pauliriarte7913]

man klay is a beast

[@ammonquitalig9077]

klay has ridiculous stamina, all that running around the court, shooting deep threes and defending

[@chinedukeshi7282]

I feel like saying "look at klay man!!!" But that honor is reserved for curry.

[@jkingvevo2472]

Nah bro Flight gonna be sayin’ the same thing about Klay pretty soon mark my words.

[@axlegallardo]

Great vid. Klay best 3 and D player ever.

[@hoangduck]

GREAT VIDEOS MAN COULD YOU DO A WESLEY MATTHEWS DEFENSE VIDEO? Or a Dirk Nowitzki Post move video?

[@chriskelley4530]

The warriors better not give him up. In the league today there are not to many SGs that can give you 60 and d u up guarding one of your best players. Klay is a keeper

[@BigDoughBoy202]

Makes Steph job so much easier he never has to check a scoring threat ever barely checks PG's the entire game it's crazy how nobody will admit it

[@mrtampham]

what a beast!

[@knighthood639]

great video! can you do Rajon Rondo's defense?

[@brynjones6519]

this is why i rate him as the second best player in the league

[@onlythestrong04]

great vids keep up the god work maybe Harrison Barnes-fantastic finisher or Trevor Ariza-Lockdown in his laker days?

[@k1ngs1mba29]

Can you make a video about Devim Booker?

[@trailbajenting648]

Kyrie gonna dislike this :D

[@yannyowane795]

Best perimeter defender in the league.

[@user-wy4kl9wp1r]

Klay Thompson also deserves the DPOY

[@vishnutripathi6572]

He is every coach's delight.just so smooth on both ends of the floor and trust me u wud hate to face him,just wont back down👌😊

[@seanwilliams7491]

Klay is the best off ball perimeter player in the history of the league

[@marshalllee624]

Similarities between Michael Jordan and Klay Thompson 1. Defense 2. Sticking Tongue out

[@zeinrahman5364]

I have a suggestion for a video. Do you think you could do Anthony Davis: Rim Protection?

[@user-ze3tm6my8e]

the fall down at 2:25 let me remind of Shaun Livingston's horrible injury

[@fpsfreak4079]

雨桐 thats how shaun got hurt?

[@CR-by4ky]

Hall of Fame

[@Righteous1ist]

Warriors are good because they have a lockdown player in Klay and Draymond, and others that know how to play defense. While Curry, and Draymond plays offense and create plays.

[@Swaggerific571]

I know Patrick Beverly isnt a fan favorite. But many stars kobe, lebron and CP3 have said his defense is amazing can you post a video on him?

[@ginostrings]

Klay lockdown

[@scottlouie5622]

can you do James harden defense

[@donghoonpark1379]

Scott Louie That's what i really want to see bro

[@djgenesisgalvan9523]

Klay two way player

[@user-vb8mj9iv8z]

Lockdown means in a while a defender wouldn't give a chance for of offense play, not some random blocks or steals. though Klay is a really good denfense player.

[@lonelylosersclub8453]

Dame dolla is always invited to klays block party

[@pyorelo7803]

Nice video bro! Can you do Iman Shumpert's defense?

[@EvinGualberto]

+Mics Santos Done and done, it'll be up next week.

[@jordan7985]

+Mics Santos as long as its not from this year hahahah otherwise I approve

[@kingthanos4964]

Could you do a harden's defence compilation too? i think it'll be fun

[@garfieldarbackle3363]

Epic

[@whiteglue8356]

😂😂😂

[@Brucee_97]

0:05 surprise he didn't get called for a tech on Paul

[@coriw248]

00:58 He thought it was sweet .

[@hardyprado4380]

Damn lol kyrie got him back for that block tho

[@iknowbruh3664]

0:29 “get blocked” 💀

[@wardellstephencurry1796]

This is why i love him than curry

[@SirMelvinBuracho]

Hmmm

[@sirm.a.r.s4640]

This is beautiful defense not that prison hack unskilled shit going on in the 90s and 80s

[@doffydonquixote2672]

So many in Houston maybe this is a hint that harden going to warriors 😊

[@nomooon]

2:35 great reflex on great reflex, but u cut the other guy off....

[@felixanthonyaguilar9641]

That's why Curry aint shit, he doesn't guard his man. It's Klay.

[@SLPC_]

and critics said he isn't an allstar...smh

[@Rivs5117]

Klay been snub All NBA Defensive the last three seasons.

[@Delaxe]

Last two - disrespect.

[@hdgfbydy9005]

The title should be klay Thomson defensive plays agains Huston rockets

[@LanceZu]

Kyrie is the only one who can make klay’s head hurt

[@gabsanchez]

3:47 wtf. Why would you force Klay to switch. That's so stupid.

[@jonathanburnside46]

Stephen curry my brother hate your shoes that you probably made

[@nathangarcia7112]

Draymond Green defense please

[@EvinGualberto]

I literally have many Draymond videos, just look on my page.

[@nathangarcia7112]

+Evin Gualberto alright thanks man

[@asalvita7537]

poor harden

[@l9ikjam]

No such thing of a lockdown defender. Yes their are players that play better defense than others, but none of them cam lockdown another player

[@sed1589]

travel 1:08

[@intendedexpression6609]

he has good defense but rt he can't guard james harden for his life aha

[@fuegomalik2614]

You're smoking

[@intendedexpression6609]

He cant.... did you even watch the western conference finals???

[@daniellecalsder6158]

lol, watch all the games will yah?...smoked weed eh???

[@buckeye2360]

Well, James Harden is almost impossible to lockdown unless you're Kawhi Leonard

[@benwallace5364]

+THE DROUGHT IS OVER 2016 NBA CHAMPS or jimmy butler

[@terrellhubbard]

Underrated defender

[@onlythestrong04]

great vids keep up the god work maybe Harrison Barnes-fantastic finisher or Trevor Ariza-Lockdown in his laker days?

[@EvinGualberto]

+Warren Thomas Barnes maybe one day, but he is a solid finisher, and as for Ariza, I'd love to. If I can get the clips, I definitely will!