Klay Thompson joined the Dallas Mavericks this offseason after spending 11 seasons with the Warriors. He signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks, and today marked his first time facing his former team since the move.
To honor his return, the Warriors gave him a special tribute at Chase Center. Before the game, his former teammates and coach made a video full of humor and heartfelt messages that surprised everyone.
Klay Thompson was one of the best players for the Warriors. He won four titles and made five All-Star teams. Fans in the Bay Area are excited about the greatest three-point shooter’s homecoming. The Warriors roster is also ready to welcome him back, with each player sharing a special message for the Mavericks guard ahead of his return.
Kevon Looney: “Welcome back to Warriors ground. You deserve to be celebrated, you’re a legend here. Did a lot of great things for the Warriors, a lot of great things for me. But we still gotta beat you tonight. So good luck, I’m going to foul you.”
"Unfortunately, I got to kick your a*s tonight."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 12, 2024
"I hope you have an off night shooting."
"Good luck. I'm going to foul you!"
The Warriors made this video welcoming Klay Thompson back to Golden State ahead of his return tonight 😅
(via @NBCSWarriors)pic.twitter.com/nG0Un2XG1c
Gary Payton II: “The Bay. Dubs. You already know, you’re a part of it. I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did. But unfortunately, we gotta kick your ass tonight.”
Jackson-Davis: “I can’t wait for you to come back, but I hope you have an off-night shooting.”
Steph Curry: “It was an honor to play with you for 13 years. Always remember every memory we were able to create as teammates and as Splash Brothers. I hope you get the hero’s welcome that you deserve.”
Stephen Curry’s reaction to Klay Thompson’s 3-point magic
The Chase Center was buzzing with excitement as Klay Thompson showed off his incredible 3-point shooting in his first game back against the Warriors. His back-to-back 3-pointers in the first quarter had fans cheering, and even his former teammate, Stephen Curry, couldn’t hide his reaction.
Thompson demonstrated his respect for Curry by performing his signature dance after he made those shots. As Curry sat on the bench and watched his old friend, Habibi style, light it up with a towel over his head, he gave a big smile.
Steph after the back-to-back Klay threes. 😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) November 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/0yqmA88xxk
The crowd loved every moment of this duo on the court. It seemed like they weren’t too focused on the scoreboard, just enjoying their interactions.