Tristan Thompson isn't having it.
MORE: Bad blood boils between Cavs and Warriors
After contributing little more than his name to the final stat sheet in the first three games of the NBA Finals, the Cavs center turned in the type of gritty performance Friday night that earned him an $82-million contract in 2015. The 6-9, 238-pounder tied a team-high with 10 rebounds and added five points and as many assists to help the Cavs avoid being swept with a 137-116 Game 4 victory against the Warriors.
Thompson, who went scoreless in Game 1 and Game 3, had a clear message for the opposition after his team prevailed in a chippy contest during which seven technical fouls were called—if the Warriors wind up winning the title, they're not going push Cleveland around in doing so. Thompson got into it with Warriors heel Draymond in the game, then delivered an expletive-laden rant in his postgame interview.
"You're not about to punk us," he said.
WARNING: The following video contains language not suitable for work or small children.
Thompson: 'Talk all you want...you're not about to punk us. S--t, you're not about to punk me. You're not about to punk Tristan Thompson.' pic.twitter.com/m5Nmsu8Rqt
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 10, 2017
Well, alright then Mr. Thompson.
Game 5 is set for a 9 p.m. ET Monday in Oakland.