Klay Thompson has a secret motivation inspiring him for another championship ring: “I didn’t know the list was that small”

The quest for a fifth championship is one of Klay Thompson's missions with the Golden State Warriors this season. To do this, the other half of the Splash Brothers motivates himself in a special way.

After two full seasons of not being able to play competitive basketball, Thompson's return was capped off by a championship trophy. This season, the Warriors are trying to win their fifth title in the Steph Curry era. Interestingly, Thompson keeps himself motivated by keeping a newsclip that features players who have won five or more championships.

"The Five Rings and Above Club," Thompson said. "I didn’t know the list was that small. And the players who played in the modern era? It’s even shorter. So, it’s like, wow, that’s the only motivation I really need."

The newsclipping is from the San Francisco Chronicle, and it shows 26 champions. On top is Bill Russell and Sam Jones, who have won 11 and 10, respectively. K.C. Jones, John Havlicek, Satch Sanders and Tom Heinsohn come next with eight championships.

Robert Horry, Frank Ramsey and Jim Loscutoff follow with seven titles. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bob Cousy come in with six rings.

George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Slater Martin, Larry Siegfried, Don Nelson, Michael Cooper, Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, Ron Harper, Steve Kerr, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Tim Duncan cap off the list with five.

The Five Rings and Above Club, displayed on Thompson's locker

It's clear that Thompson is passionate about winning and wants to capture his fifth championship this season. However, with the way things have been going for the Warriors (15-18), it could prove to be an impossible feat. Still, the four-time champion remains focused on the task at hand.

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Can Klay Thompson and the Warriors defend their title properly?

2022 NBA Finals, Game 6

The Warriors haven't been an impressive group this season. Especially now that Curry is out with a labral injury on his left shoulder, Klay Thompson is tasked to do a lot for the team. With their current situation, will Golden State be able to defend their title?

Out in the Western Conference, the Warriors (15-18) are sitting in the 11th place and have lost two games in a row. By the looks of things, the Warriors could possibly miss out on the playoffs. It's obvious that the team needs Curry to do a lot of the heavy lifting.

No one has stepped up in Curry's place as of now. Until then, their playoff hopes could remain dreams.