PH Klay and Loon in SM MEGA MALL

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Bautista

Everybody loves Klay Thompson. He’s the best shooter of his generation, second only to splash brother Steph Curry.

Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Klay, however, is even more chill and funnier than Steph, making him accessible to NBA fans and beyond. Evidence of this is his alter ego ‘China Klay’. Which came out six years ago after his antics from a tour in China earning him the nickname. This includes: arm wrestling a female fan, dad dance moves etc.

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Manila Klay

That’s why Filipinos wanted to stake their claim on him too, wanting ‘Manila Klay’ or PH Klay. This was when he and Golden State Warriors team mate Kevon Looney met with thousands of fans at SM MEGAMALL last August 31, 2023. Manila was at the tail end of their Asian tour that included several cities in China.

Thousands trooped to the SM Fashion Hall of SM Megamall to see Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Thousands warmly welcomed the two Warriors in SM MEGAMALL’s Fashion Hall. Kevon Looney affectionately called ‘Loon’ was just as game to interact with Pinoys. People waited along the glass rails in each level overlooking the hall. Most of whom waited at least 3-4 hours. Just to catch a glimpse of the multiple NBA Championship winners.

Kevon Looney, 3-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Photos here are from that event. Klay and Loon also became sportscasters with live mics for Anta’s SHOCK THE GAME 4×4 finals match between L&J and the N.U. Bull Dogs, (won by N.U.).

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SM AURA Schedule

Klay was also originally scheduled to visit ANTA’s branch in SM AURA. But his security detail thought the venue was too small compared to the one in SM MEGA MALL. They must have anticipated the size (and safety) of the throngs that would gather. So most, if not, all fans had to go to SM MEGAMALL which also had an ANTA shop.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

High Fives All Around

As soon as they arrived, they exuded positive energy. Klay was going out of his way to high five every single player, every single person on the court. Even the refs got a selfie with him. He was cheering the players in the game that he watched. And happily gave out the trophies and medals.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Both of them were in the shoot around with the players, grabbing the ball and tossing them out to warm them up. Then Klay was in the corner and shot seven 3-pointers in a row with the crowd counting.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

His security was pushing away fans at one point. And he pointed to them saying, he wanted to sign autographs, jerseys and shoes. He was so funny. You can see that he really loves the game. He loves being around people.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

A Place Where Basketball Is Everybody’s First Love

Prior to the SM MEGAMALL event, the two had a revealing press conference. Thanks to SPIN.PH and Naveen Gangliani of rappler.com, who shared video clips from that press con.

The quotes here are from the videos they posted.

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Klay was anticipating his first trip to the Philippines for a while now. This is from a strong Filipino community in the Bay Area and his friendship with Senator Manny Pacquiao. The two first met in 2020, when Klay visited Manny’s work out at the Wild Card Gym.

Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

He said, “Watching videos back home of PBA. Watching Manny Pacquiao play pick up. Manny came to open (practice) and play and seeing his love of the game. Inspired us because he doesn’t do it professionally and to see his love. I mean, its awesome.

Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

And to see old footage of Kobe here in the late 90s or Lebron. To see the love they got when they were here very inspiring not just for us but to all fans around the world. It’s so cool to go to a place where basketball is everybody’s first love”. From spin.ph: Klay Thompson to visit Philippines for Anta 4 on 4 finals

Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney of the Golden State Warriors at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Pacquiao Mansion and REVEL

The following day, Klay and Loon visited Pacquiao’s mansion, where they had dinner and met Ruffa Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama. Video clips of Klay playing chess with Manny have also come out. Both are avid chess players.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

On their first night, Klay and Loon visited Manila’s hot club scene in REVEL at Uptown Mall in BGC. Jordan Clarkson, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas were also spotted in REVEL after their win against China. Other NBA players from FIBA have also visited REVEL at The Palace Manila.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

On ‘Game 6 Klay’ against OKC in 2016

During the press con, Klay was asked about his iconic performance during the Western Conference finals in 2016 against Oklahoma City Thunder. Where he scored eleven 3 pointers in Game 6. But eventually lost to Cleveland in the Finals. This was when the press created another alter ego for him as ‘Game 6 Klay’:

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“I do remember Loon was just a rookie then. A teenager, which was crazy to think about.

When I look back at that game, I think about losing Game 4, we’re down 3-1. Draymond Green gave one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard. About no one thought it was possible to win 73 games. No one thinks it’s possible for us to come back from this deficit. He said ‘Let’s go shock the world’.

Kevon Looney, 3-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Empty The Clip

“And that right there gave me a ton of confidence. I’d like to say ‘to empty the clip’ as a shooter. Because you don’t want to leave anything out there. You don’t want to go home that night and say ‘Gosh I should’ve taken that shot’. I should’ve been more aggressive. And I went to every game that series with that mindset. You don’t plan on having nights like that as an athlete. It just happened organically. That is a very great memory for me obviously. At the time it was a playoff record for threes. When we do those things you really shock yourself, your out of body experiences.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

It is kind of painful to look back on because it was such a beautiful regular season. And to lose to Cleveland still hurts but I will forever cherish that game. Because as you said it was an alter ego for me as ‘Game 6’. I was lucky enough to have Game 6s after that as well but I was in such a great zone that night. I still get chills when I look back and think about it.

Klay Thompson, 4-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

There’s nothing better in pro sports than silencing the opposing crowd. I never heard it so quiet in an arena in OKC. You can see how deflated they were. Ironically, we were very deflated the next series but it was still a great win for us.” From Naveen Ganglani, X account (video): @naveenganglani

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Kevon On What It Takes To Be A Great Rebounder

Kevon was then asked on his rebounding methods, “It takes a lot of effort. You gotta know your shooters. You gotta know your teammates. You gotta know your offense. It’s not hard to practice. But you gotta figure out what makes you a special rebounder. Know what physical attributes you can use. I’m not the best leaper but I try to use my body, my arms. I got some of the best shooters in the world. So they kind of assist me. I take the time to watch them how they shoot. And learn about them and carry over to the court. That’s what makes me a great rebounder. From Naveen Ganglani, X account (video): @naveenganglani

Kevon Looney, 3-time NBA Champion, at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

FIBA Experience

As Manila is currently host to FIBA, Klay was asked about his experience in the U.S. Team,

“I was lucky enough to play, to compete in the World Cup. At the time of playing, looking back at 2014, being able to win it was such an amazing experience. That catapulted me to another confidence level that allowed me to become a star in this league. Because, I played so well in Spain at the time.

Klay Thompson represented USA at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

And now to see Steve Kerr here coaching the U.S. team. Me and Loon will make Steve take us out to dinner. He’s gonna have to pay for it because he’s out here. He owes us dinner one time. I’m excited to see him and rooting for U.S.A. I know they’re representing our country so well. It’s awesome to see how global basketball has become. Especially here in Manila to see how every game is packed. To see how much these guys really love the game is so inspiring for myself and Loon.” From Naveen Ganglani, X account (video): @naveenganglani

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Boy’s Night Out For Dubs

The Golden State Warriors is famous for their bonding moments. They do this by having extracurricular activities as a team. Kevon explained, “Boy’s Night Out is super important. That’s when a group of guys become more than just friends they become brothers. That’s how we won so many championships. By having nights out and carry it all the way to the court. Gotta be friends. Gotta have trust. Going out goes a long way.”

Klay Thompson threw an alleyoop to Sonny Estil of L&J who slammed the ball at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Klay added, “Oh its extremely vital. I mean Boy’s Night Out could mean many things. Could be a boat day, could be a brunch, could be a fine dinner, could be a disco. It could be a golf session, it could be a surf session. We all just need those times to bond as men. As the song said, ‘The Boys Are Back In Town’. It feels great to just get out and be kids again. Because that’s what life’s about. Stay youthful and having fun…We went dancing last night we had a great time.” Klay was referring to their night in REVEL at The Palace Manila.

Klay Thompson threw an alleyoop to Sonny Estil of L&J who slammed the ball at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

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Klay Thompson threw an alleyoop to Sonny Estil of L&J who slammed the ball at the Fashion Hall of SM Megamall last August 31, 2023. Photo by Jude Bautista

Eyes of a Child

The crowds soon dissipated after Klay and Loon left the SM MEGAMALL Fashion Hall.

On my way home, I passed by Shang Rila Plaza Mall. At the foot of the long stairway to the MRT station, I saw two kids in shorts and slippers. One was about 14 the other 12. The two were smiling and giddy talking about seeing their NBA heroes for the first time. I knew then, what happiness was through the eyes of a child.