Klay Thompson
A historically great shooter whose explosive scoring binges and seamless off-ball movement powered a modern NBA dynasty.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American basketball player·Birthday: February 8·Millennials
Biography
Klay Thompson's game is a study in elegant efficiency. Arriving at Golden State as a complementary piece, he quickly formed one of the most devastating backcourts in history with Stephen Curry, dubbed the 'Splash Brothers' for their long-range barrage. Thompson's value was never in dribbling; it was in his lightning-quick release, peerless movement without the ball, and a stoic demeanor that earned him the nickname 'Klay Thompson.' He delivered moments of pure basketball theater: an NBA-record 37 points in a single quarter, 60 points in 29 minutes, and a legendary Game 6 performance against Oklahoma City to save a season. After overcoming two catastrophic leg injuries, his return and fourth championship cemented his legacy as a player of resilience and singular skill.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Klay was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Klay Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Klay's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Holds the NBA record for most points in a single quarter, scoring 37 in the third quarter against Sacramento in 2015.
- Won four NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors, forming a core dynasty with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
- Named to five NBA All-Star teams and twice selected to the All-NBA Third Team.
- Won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Did You Know?
He is the son of former NBA number one overall draft pick Mychal Thompson.
His dog, a bulldog named Rocco, was a frequent presence at Warriors games and has his own social media following.
He famously sailed to practice by boat across the San Francisco Bay while living in Sausalito.
He once answered reporters' questions while riding a stationary bike during an NBA Finals media session.
“I'm not gonna sit here and say I'm the best two-guard ever, but I definitely think I'm up there.”
