Klay Thompson stood on the court at the Chase Center, touched by a tribute video from the Golden State Warriors that marked his first return to play against his former team. Emotions ran high as Thompson watched, with Stephen Curry, his long-time teammate, lingering in the tunnel to avoid being overwhelmed. Draymond Green had already viewed the video in advance to keep his emotions in check.
As the crowd erupted into a standing ovation, Thompson maintained composure, grateful that Curry had agreed to skip a planned midcourt speech to allow the fans to express their admiration organically. “I didn’t want to cry,” Thompson reflected after the Dallas Mavericks’ close 120-117 loss to the Warriors on Tuesday night.
Thompson was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he received from about 400 Warriors employees dressed in captain’s hats—a nod to his love for boating—when he arrived at the arena hours before the game. Fans, some wearing Thompson’s old No. 11 jersey, showered him with appreciation during his pregame shooting session, further highlighting the special connection he has with the crowd.
The game itself was electric. As Thompson described, playing against the Warriors for the first time felt “surreal.” His competitive spirit was evident in moments like when he hit free throws after being fouled by Curry on the very first play. Thompson went on to score 22 points while showcasing his sharpshooting skills.
Curry, who added 37 points for the Warriors, shared a light-hearted moment with Thompson during a timeout, demonstrating their enduring friendship even amidst fierce competition. The Mavericks briefly took the lead, aided by Thompson’s scoring streak, but Curry sealed the game with clutch shots in the final minutes, underscoring his competitive edge.
Postgame, Thompson shared heartfelt embraces with his former teammates and coaching staff. Wearing one of the commemorative captain’s hats, he marveled at the unique experience and emphasized that change is part of life, expressing hope for future matchups against the Warriors.
This night was not just another game on the schedule; it served as a poignant reminder of Thompson’s legacy in Golden State and the enduring bonds he formed with his teammates and the community. As he optimistically noted, “We’ll see the Dubs three more times. So there are plenty of more battles ahead, which is the fun part.”
In summary, while Thompson faced a challenging return to his former team, the heartfelt tributes and the emotions shared showcased the deep connections and mutual respect within the world of basketball, setting the stage for exciting future encounters. These moments remind us that while change is inevitable, loyalty and camaraderie can last a lifetime.