Klay Thompson enjoyed considerable success during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors, where he and Stephen Curry created one of the most formidable duos in NBA history. However, facing off against his former teammate proved to be a challenging experience. In a tightly contested game at Chase Center, Curry guided the Warriors to a thrilling 120-117 victory over Thompson's Dallas Mavericks during the NBA Cup group play. This marked Thompson's first appearance as a visiting player against his old team, while Curry showcased his standout performance by scoring a personal 10-0 run in the closing minutes of the game. He concluded the night with 37 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, hitting a crucial step-back three-pointer in the final moments to seal the win for Golden State.
With this victory, the Warriors improved their record to 9-2, while the Mavericks fell to 5-6, marking their third consecutive loss. Although Curry's impressive performance captured significant attention, Thompson's return to Golden State was a focal point of the evening. He finished the game with 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists, hitting six of his twelve attempts from beyond the arc. Luka Dončić also made his presence felt, contributing 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. However, it was the storyline surrounding Thompson—his homecoming and the nostalgia of the 'Splash Brothers' era—that dominated discussions on social media.
Golden State's warm welcome for Thompson was evident throughout the evening. The pregame video montage celebrating his most memorable moments with the franchise was met with a standing ovation as his name was announced. Fans donned captain hats in honor of 'Captain Klay,' and the atmosphere was filled with an outpouring of support from the Warriors' crowd. This reception was well-deserved, as Thompson is eternally regarded as a franchise legend, having won four championships and earning accolades as a two-time All-NBA selection and five-time All-Star. Despite facing significant injuries that sidelined him for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Thompson returned to help the organization secure the 2022 championship. As the game progressed, the dynamic between the two players remained palpable, embodying both a sense of camaraderie and fierce competition, reminiscent of their years together on the Warriors.
