Klay Thompson returned to the court Sunday after missing the last two seasons.Draymond Green started the game injured so he could share the court with Thompson, then subbed out.
Nobody wanted to miss Klay Thompson's first game in over 900 days.
The 31-year-old, five-time All-Star made his return to the court on Sunday, playing his first
It was a highly anticipated moment — so much so that Draymond Green started the game, despite being unable to play. Green was a late scratch from the game with calf tightness. However, he still started so that he could be introduced with Thompson in the starting lineups and share the court with him for the opening tip.
—Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 10, 2022
When the Cleveland Cavaliers won the tip, Green immediately ran over and fouled point guard Darius Garland so he could stop the clock and leave the game.
Curry told reporters after the game that he got goosebumps from Thompson's return and sharing the court with his two star teammates again.
Cameras caught Thompson, Green, and Curry all sitting together before the game, silently, as if they were soaking up the moment — three players drafted by the Warriors who helped launch a dynasty, back together after a two-year break.
—Sam Hustis (@SamHustis) January 10, 2022
It's hard to understate the impact of Thompson's return. He's been a key cog of the Warriors since being drafted to Golden State in 2011. He developed into one of the all-time greatest shooters alongside Curry, helping form the famed "Splash Brothers." His unselfishness on the court and free-spirited ways off of it has made him a beloved figure across the NBA.
It was an eventful return for Thompson, and he scored the Warriors' first points on a driving layup.
—Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 10, 2022
Later in the game, he crossed over Cavs center Jarrett Allen, drove the lane, and delivered a huge dunk.
—Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 10, 2022
The reaction from the Warriors bench said it all.
—Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) January 10, 2022
Thompson scored 17 points on 7-of-18 shooting in 20 minutes. Though he rushed a few shots, he generally showed little rust, considering his long lay-off and serious injuries (a torn ACL and torn Achilles).
Thompson told reporters after the game that the reaction from the crowd and his teammates made the grueling return to the court worth it.
"It was worth every single day of being away," Thompson said. "It was a special moment. I will never forget. I'm not going to say it was the equivalent to winning a championship. But, man, it was pretty freaking close."