Klay Thompson makes triumphant return to Warriors after grueling two-and-a-half-year absence
The five-time All-Star shooting guard, who was back on the court for the first time since tearing his cruciate ligament in game six of the NBA Finals in 2019, made up for lost time by scoring the Golden State Warriors’ first two points game in their win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Thompson scored 17 points in just 20 minutes to put the Warriors on track and for a 96-82 win. He slipped in two games and took the team to a season-record 30-9 — tied at the top of the Western Conference Phoenix Suns.
Thompson was greeted like a hero by an enthusiastic home crowd in San Francisco when he layed up the roof of the Chase Center in the first minute.
“It was a very special moment that I will never forget,” Thompson told reporters.
“I’ll never forget the welcome the Warriors fans gave us, especially myself. Gosh, it was fun and worth every single day, away and in that squat rack or on that shuttle board and to be all the conditioning days.
“It was worth every single moment. It’s been a long run – I won’t say it equates to winning a championship. But man, it was damn close.”
Warriors coach Steve Kerr revealed the first play wasn’t designed for the returning guard to score, but Thompson was just too hyper.
“I was so excited when I saw a lane to the basket that I just jumped at the chance,” Thompson said.
“After that I thought it was going to be one of those nights where I might be unconscious. I didn’t shoot as well as I wanted but I’m so happy I can even look at the stat sheet and see my name there.”
Splash Brothers reunited
Thompson’s “Splash Brother” Steph Curry — a nickname coined for the pair’s devastating potency from three-point range — led the scoring with a 28-point pull and four three-point plays.
Understandably, Thompson’s long-distance goggles were a little less calibrated than usual and missed his first three triple attempts, but the guard bounced back and went three for eight from downtown.
Curry, who warmed up in a Thompson jersey for his return, was not surprised by his team-mate’s immediate impact.
“It’s like, Klay Thompson and I fucking love it,” Curry told reporters.
“The funny thing is the coach had to mention it, we had to mention it before the game – don’t feel like you have to force feed him because he’s going to find his shots and he definitely didn’t disappoint on that front. “
Lamar Stevens led scoring for the visitors with 17 points — adding four rebounds and an assist — as the Cavaliers fell back to 22-18 for the season.
After a glorious homecoming, Thompson and the Warriors will now prepare for four straight games on the road – beginning with a tough trip to Memphis to face off against a team the Grizzlies (28-14) who are continuing their best nine-game winning streak the NBA wants to extend .
