Klay Thompson revealed that FC Barcelona ex-manager Pep Guardiola and the football style that he successfully implemented have greatly influenced the Golden State Warriors' ball movement.

Credit: REUTERS/Albert Gea; AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez
Credit REUTERS/Albert Gea; AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vasquez

Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson has revealed how the reigning NBA champions have taken inspiration from FC Barcelona's tiki-taka style of football in recent seasons.

Free throws this season

74%
17,0
Points made: 17,0
Accuracy: 73,9%
Place in standings: 21
Record max: 17
Record min: 17
Most made FTs: Stephen Curry

The Warriors, who kicked off their title defense with a 123-109 win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, have been a dominant force under head coach Steve Kerr, winning four NBA championships in the last eight years.

One of the most notable aspects of Golden State's play during Kerr's time in charge has been their impressive ball movement, with the 57-year-old adapting ideas used by Pep Guardiola during his time with Barca football club.

Thompson said that having a player open and keeping the ball moving are aspects they picked up from Barcelona and there's no doubt the Warriors' approach is allowing him and last season’s NBA Finals MVP Steph Curry to flourish as well.

"I give credit to Steve. He came in and he had a vision, just to keep that thing hot," Thompson said after the season-opening win over the Lakers.

"He gave us the perfect example of FC Barcelona, they call it tiki-taka. It's just kick it to the open man and with us give it to the open man, keep it moving, and it just plays to me and Steph’s strengths so much… it’s perfect."

Tiki-taka, popularized by Barca during now-Manchester City manager Guardiola’s four seasons (2008-2012) at the helm, is characterized by short-distance, accurate and quick passing to keep the ball moving without losing possession.

The style of play delivered huge success for Barcelona as Guardiola guided them to three Spanish league titles and two Champions League triumphs between 2008 and 2012.

Curry hailed Barca and Guardiola back in 2016, saying that players like Lionel Messi served as an inspiration.

"The things they do in every game, and their style of play is very similar to ours," Curry said at the time.

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