In a night of emotional highs and rekindled memories, Klay Thompson made his return to the Chase Center, albeit donning the colors of the Dallas Mavericks. The arena, which was once his fortress for over a decade, paid homage to the former Golden State Warrior by turning into a sea of captain's hats, a nod to the role he played in the team's storied success.
Thompson, who dedicated the first 11 NBA seasons of his career to the Warriors, left a lasting legacy in the Bay Area. The fans' reception was a testament to his indelible impact, illustrating not just his skills but his deep connection with the community. "It's not just the skill with Klay, it's not just the commitment to the organization, the competitive desire," Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented. "There's an aura about him that connected our fans to him right away. That's what it takes. That's pretty rare to do all of that and have that kind of impact. But Klay had it."
This clash signaled the beginning of the NBA Cup, with the Warriors facing off against the Mavericks. It was a nail-biter from start to finish, culminating in a remarkable finale. Stephen Curry, ever the pivotal performer, ignited a decisive 10-0 run to secure a 120-117 victory for Golden State—another chapter in the team’s burgeoning tally for the season, now standing at an impressive 9-2.
Thompson's Performance with the Mavericks
In stark contrast, the Mavericks saw their record dip to 5-6. Thompson, however, showcased his typical flair, rallying with 22 points, including a sharp 6-of-12 performance from beyond the arc. His transition to the Mavericks came in the off-season through a generous three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade agreement. Thus far, he has averaged 14 points and four rebounds, boasting a 35% shooting rate from three-point territory. While these numbers paint a modest picture compared to his career averages of 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists with shooting splits of 45/41/86, Thompson's presence is hailed as transformative for Dallas.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd emphasized Thompson's impact, noting, "A true pro...We can talk about his ability to shoot the ball, space and his gravity, we can run him around. He's going to create space for others. So when you talk about the big picture, that's hard to find, and we didn't have that, and it was much needed. I think we got lucky to get him."
A Storied Career
Reflecting on his illustrious tenure with the Warriors, Thompson's impact resonates with moments like his career-high 60-point game in 2016. While these memories remain fondly cherished by the Bay Area faithful, his new beginning in Dallas marks a fresh chapter. At this juncture in his career, Thompson is focused on making his mark with the Mavericks, ready to complement the budding skills of Dallas' roster with his extensive postseason experience and sharp shooting skills.
The Warriors' fans, while bittersweet about his departure, can only commend Klay's prowess, reminiscent of his countless contributions to their glories past. For Mavericks supporters, Thompson is a beacon of promise, the missing piece they hope will catalyze their push deeper into the playoff stratum.
The opening night was more than just a game; it was a convergence of legacies, past and present, embodied by a 6-foot-6 guard who once ruled the Bay's hardwood court. As the season unfolds, both teams carry aspirations tethered to Thompson—The Warriors nostalgically, the Mavericks ambitiously. In both cases, he remains a pivotal figure, an embodiment of hope and excellence in the ever-evolving saga of NBA basketball.