Klay Thompson’s return to the court went just about as he could have hoped after 941 days on the sidelines.
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Thompson finished with 17 points in 20 minutes of action in front of the Warriors faithful, putting on a show on what was affectionately known as ‘Klay Day’.
“I thought it was gonna be one of those nights after that floater I had, I kept shooting … I was nervous to start,” he said post-game. “I’m just grateful to be here and the love I received pre-game and the video tributes. It was special. It’s a night I will never forget and it lived up to all the hype.
“I’m just very grateful for our fanbase, it’s incredible.”
The Chase Center crowd was hyped as the five-time All-Star was introduced pregame and they kept the same energy when he made his first basket…and quite frankly throughout the entire game.
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From the silky jumpers to the crisp off-ball movement, Thompson looked much like the player we all remember and despite his impressive return, he says he still has work to do.
“Still like 4-5 shots I should’ve made but I’m just happy I’m here and I can say that,” he added.
“The last two years was tough and it felt great to get the first one out of the way, obviously the win is the most important, and it was an emotional night. I did not know I was going to dunk somebody first game back, that felt good, so hooray for me,” he said jokingly.
The home crowd was in a frenzy as Thompson dropped the hammer over two Cavs defenders in the second quarter. Not bad for a player coming off ACL and Achilles injuries.
“I was amazed at his poise out there and his confidence after being out for so long,” head coach Steve Kerr said postgame.
With the other half of the Splash Brothers now back in the mix, the Warriors’ championship hopes look even stronger as they move to the top of the Western Conference standings at 30-9, tied with the Phoenix Suns.
