SAN FRANCISCO — Because his name was not included in the initial lineup, Klay ThompsonHe sat back in his chair, stared out the window and soaked in every detail.
Chase Center gave one of its loudest roars 941 days after it was created.
After being out for almost 31 months, which have tested his physical as well as mental limits, he finally got the chance to return home. Golden State WarriorsStar guard, who made his long-awaited return on the floor, scored 17 points in just 20 minutes. 96-82 victoryOver the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thompson missed some of his first shots in the first quarter, but he found his range and got hot in the third quarter. He hit three straight shots during which time he scored seven of his points.
Thompson was 7-of-18 in his first game after Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. He also went 3-for-8 from behind arc. Thompson also achieved some milestones by scoring 12,000 career points, and making 1,800 3-pointers.
Thompson’s night ended with a thunderous driving dunk that he did over two Cavaliers. Thompson drove past Jarrett AllenBefore you throw away two-plus decades of frustration, try a one-handed dunk for both Lauri Markkanen Dylan WindlerWith 2:56 remaining in the second quarter.
Thompson proved that he still had some explosiveness after tormenting his left ACL during Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Toronto RaptorsOn June 13, 2019, and then tore his right Achilles in November 2020.
Thompson’s athleticism is impressive, but his shot needs some time to heat up. Thompson was likely overflowing with adrenaline and missed his first three attempts at 3-point shooting before finally burying one with 1:8 left in the half. This delighted a crowd who were ready to explode whenever Thompson did anything.
The second half began with Thompson’s first three shots. He made two shots from mid-range, and one from 3. With 9:08 remaining in the third quarter, the Cavs called a timeout. A fired-up Thompson ran to a corner to speak to the fans.
Sunday’s return was more important than any other for Thompson’s physical and mental well-being.
Steve Kerr, Warriors coach, said that tonight may be his most difficult game. It’s so much different than a playoff match… 941 days with all the frustration and all that disappointment built up, it’s going be incredibly emotional. So I imagine what Klay would experience.
Everything Sunday felt extraordinary.
Kerr was there when Jordan retired in 1995 to win three championships with the Bulls. He also was there for Jordan’s return from his first retirement.
Kerr stated that it felt surreal before the game. “Just having our coaches meet, and actually talking Klay, felt amazing and strange. It’s been so much. The walkthrough was a great success.
Thompson ran out of the Warriors locker room tunnel and onto the floor about two hours before tip to huge applause from fans who were there watching. Stephen CurryGo through his warmup routine.
The Warriors’ faithful were well aware that this was not a typical pre-game warmup.
Thompson waved to the crowd and encouraged them to cheer. Thompson made a few circles while the cheering crowd cheered. Thompson smiled and began to shoot. Each of his six first shots from the mid- to short range was cheered by fans.
Thompson was done when he was done. He raised his arms in gratitude for the love he received in pre-game warmups nearly 31 months after his ACL tear.
The Warriors first introduced Thompson when the starting five lineup was revealed. The Warriors welcomed back Thompson, one of the most loved players in Warriors history.
Draymond GreenThis moment was something he had been anticipating for several weeks. Marc Spears from The Undefeated said that Green couldn’t fall asleep Saturday night due to the expectation that Thompson would allow him to practice with Thompson once again. Green felt tightness in his left leg during warmup and had to be scratched just moments before tip. To honor Thompson’s return, he continued to play the game even though he was tired.
Thompson was able to score his first ever Chase Center points within 40 seconds.
Thompson would make a 3 pointer just before Thompson left the game to be applauded by the fans. A loud “We want Klay!” A chant broke out following that.
The Warriors are now ready to increase Thompson’s play and look forward to a return in the near future. Center James WisemanHe is expected to join the team’s upcoming road trip and be cleared to practice contact.
Kerr spoke highly of Thompson, saying that “we’re going to ease his into his position.” “And that will build up over the coming weeks, but it’ll be very conservative at first.”