Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area on Tuesday night for the first time since leaving the Golden State Warriors.
Thompson and the Mavericks arrived at Chase Center in San Francisco for their first NBA Cup game on Tuesday, and Thompson quickly received a massive reception from fans both in the arena and those waiting outside when he arrived.
The game was called “Salute to Captain Klay” night, and fans received a white captain’s cap with the Warriors logo in honor of Thompson, who used to take a boat to games when he played for the Warriors. The team also showed a tribute video before the game and gave Thompson a standing ovation on the court before the game.
Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Mavericks this past offseason. That officially ended his incredible career with the Warriors, which produced four championships in an eight-season span. The Warriors first selected Thompson with the 11th overall pick in 2011 out of Washington State, and he quickly became a fan favorite in the Bay Area and a critical part of the Warriors’ dynasty alongside to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green as other pieces arrived. and he left.
Although he said he still appreciates the career he took in Golden State to start his career in the league, Thompson is simply focused on putting it behind him for now.
“That chapter is over,” Thompson said. Marc J. Spears of Andscape on Sunday. “I’m in the middle of trying to win here. There is no point in missing out on anything when here we have a great opportunity to be great. There’s no point in looking back… I have to look forward. I have to try to give my best here.”
Thompson averaged 17.9 points per game last season in Golden State, which was his worst performance in more than a decade. He also shot worse than 40% from behind the arc for the second time in his career. Thompson left the Warriors sixth in total points scored in team history, fourth in games played and second behind Stephen Curry in three-pointers made. He also holds the NBA record with 14 three-pointers in a single game, which he set with the Warriors in 2018.
The 34-year-old entered Tuesday’s game averaging 13.8 points and 3.7 rebounds with 2.9 three-pointers per game so far this season in Dallas. The Mavericks sit at 5-5.
While players don’t always receive a warm reception on their first trips back to their old arenas, Thompson is clearly still in a good place with the Warriors fan base.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said Sunday. via spears. “I think we all are. It will be very emotional. “I know our fans are ready for it and can’t wait to see Klay.”