The Cleveland Cavaliers made NBA history Sunday by topping the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 to take home the franchise’s first ever NBA championship. With that win, the Cavs became the first team in league history to come back from a 3-1 deficit to win the title.
Lebron James will deservedly receive much of the spotlight following the victory, but one player not to be overlooked is Brampton-born power forward Tristan Thompson.
Thompson not only averaged a double-double during the NBA finals, but also proved a critical asset to Cleveland on both the offensive and defensive fronts. He brought his game on the offensive glass and created extra possessions for the Cavs, and further excelled on the defensive front.
ESPN reports that throughout the series with the Warriors, Tristan contested 92 percent of Klay Thompson’s field goal attempts when guarding him, and Steph Curry is 0-for-11 on contested field goals against Tristan. He guarded those smaller players on the perimeter, making it easy for the Cavs to stop the Warriors’ seemingly unstoppable small-ball lineup.
Thompson’s contribution to the team was no small thing. The Cavs were 27 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court throughout the series. They were seven points better on offense and 20 points better on defense. In total, it’s a 27.6 net efficiency, according to ESPN.
Thompson attended St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School for a year before transferring to Saint Benedict’s Preparatory School in New Jersey to really kickstart his basketball career. Thompson eventually attended University of Texas and played one season before being drafted into the NBA as fourth overall pick. He also signed a massive five-year $82 million contract extension last fall with the Cavaliers.