In a scene charged with emotion, Klay Thompson’s Return to the Chase Center with the Dallas Mavericks on November 12, 2024, marked a significant moment in NBA history. After 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, it was a night filled with heartfelt tributes and intense basketball as Thompson faced his old team for the first time.
Klay Thompson’s Return: A Tribute or a Play for Revenge?
The Golden State crowd greeted him with a tribute video, and a sea of fans wearing boat captain hats added to the nostalgia. Thompson, visibly moved, shared his appreciation: “It was a cool moment. The positive energy from the fans meant a lot to me, especially with all the chatter. I gave everything I had here, and it feels great to be remembered that way.”
But the emotional moment didn’t stop there. Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green also had their own reactions. Curry, ever the emotional leader, admitted, “I stayed in the tunnel during the tribute video. I knew it would hit me hard. I wanted to protect myself from getting too emotional.” Green, ever the strategist, had already watched the video before the game to avoid being caught off guard.
The intensity spilled over into the game. The first play of the match saw Thompson posting up Curry, who, uncharacteristically, fouled him on the play. Curry laughed off the moment, saying, “I blacked out on that one. I wasn’t going to let him score.” Thompson, however, played with his signature style, racking up 22 points and six 3-pointers. The Mavericks ultimately lost 120-117, but Thompson’s performance was undeniable.
Curry, who scored a season-high 37 points, including the Warriors’ last 12 points to seal the win, reflected on their shared legacy. “Thirteen years, four championships, and countless memories. I couldn’t have imagined a better way for Klay’s return to go.” But even in this competitive setting, Thompson couldn’t resist a playful homage to Curry’s iconic “shimmy” after hitting a three-pointer. Curry, ever the good sport, chuckled, “It was awful, but hilarious. I know Klay wanted that moment so badly, and it was all in good fun.”
It’s just the first of four meetings between the former “Splash Brothers,” and the emotional weight of the game will only increase as the season progresses. Both teams are battling for crucial playoff positions, with Golden State sitting comfortably at 9-2, while Dallas struggles at 5-6.
The game was a testament to the lasting bond between two players who helped define one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. But as the season moves forward, the friendly banter and shared history may give way to the cutthroat competition of playoff seeding.
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