The first day of the rest of Klay Thompson’s career – BasketUSA

January 9, 2022 will forever remain in the minds of the Dub Nation, like “Klay Day”. The day when Klay thompson, one of the foundations of the Warriors dynasty, marked its return after two and a half years in purgatory to treat first a knee injury that occurred in June 2019 and then a ruptured Achilles heel in October 2020 .

Everyone was eagerly awaiting the first basket of the “Splash Brother”, who came on a difficult floater on the Warriors’ first possession, or his first prize-winning shot, which came just before half-time. Klay Thompson to end the game against the Cavaliers with 17 points on 18 shots in 20 minutes of play, proving he was physically and mentally ready to help the Warriors, again with the league’s best record with 30 wins and 9 losses.

The darkest chapter in Klay Thompson’s career ends

However, the impact of this return goes beyond the field and the athlete. Steve Kerr had also found the right words before the meeting to describe what the return of Klay Thompson represents.

“Tonight is the opportunity to show him all our respect for what he has had to go through in the past two years and to express all the affection we have for him, and I know our fans are going to give him the ovation he deserves, »Explained the coach.

This comeback was above all a celebration of a player who crossed the finish line of the longest and most arduous race in which he had to take part last night. The party had started on Saturday when he officially announced his return with teammates, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green leading the way, posting numerous messages on social media to share their excitement and ask fans to share their fondest memories of Klay. Thompson. It was also the players who took the initiative to arrive at the Chase Center wearing their teammate’s jersey and doing the same during the pre-match shootaround.

The fans then took over. While the Chase Center usually fills up a few minutes before the start of the game, there were several thousand of them that night eagerly awaiting their darling’s first appearance. His arrival on the field for his warm-up was accompanied by an ovation and shouts of joy on each of his baskets.

“I was doing my warm-up when he got on the pitch and I could feel the energy of the fans,” telling Stephen Curry. “During his first four baskets, I had the impression that the match had started because the fans were like crazy. “

“I will never forget the reception from the fans. It wasn’t as special as winning the title but it was really close ”

The Warriors had also planned several videos but it is the one just before the presentation of the players that made the sauce turn up. Stephen Curry, normally last called during the introduction of the teams, had decided to give way to his “Splash Brother” to offer him this unforgettable moment.

“It was special, it was his moment,” explained Curry. “It was the perfect time to celebrate the end of this obstacle course and the transition to the field. I got goosebumps. “

Present in the room, we can confirm that the Chase Center has never been so loud, so electric, since it opened two and a half years ago.

“I’ve been imagining this moment for years. I’m so grateful for the standing ovation and the love the fans have given me. I will never forget receiving the fans. It wasn’t as special as winning the title but it was really close, ” Klay Thompson relished. “I will never forget this evening. I am really proud of my perseverance. “

For the All-Star back, it was also all the little details that made the difference tonight, such as seeing his name on the stats sheet. ” I’m so glad to look at the stats sheet and see my name on it you can’t imagine. “

Everyone loves Klay Thompson

If Stephen Curry is the system, the MVP, and Draymond Green the soul of the Warriors, Klay Thompson has a different connection to the Dub Nation. For Steve Kerr, it’s special relationship comes from its authenticity.

“He’s been there from the start, he grew up here, he won three titles, he gave the fans their fondest memories. He is one with the fans, ” describes the technician. “He’s genuine, he’s Klay, quite simply and everyone appreciates that. They see him with his dog, they see him on his boat. He doesn’t cheat and everyone loves it. “

This connection isn’t limited to Warriors fans. All day long, the basketball world paid tribute to Klay Thompson. Opponents, leaders, fans, everyone loves “Splash Brother”.

“He’s a champion while also being one of the most humble players in the league. He never makes waves, he plays hard and he wins, ” Eric described us, a fan of the Lakers present this evening at the Chase Center, to see the return of Klay Thompson. “He could have left and taken a max contract, but he chose to stay with the team he helped build. He’s one of the best shooters in history. It’s really hard not to love him. “

Injured, Draymond Green plays a few seconds …

Only problem of the evening, the absence of Draymond Green who had to give up after having felt discomfort in the calf during his warm-up. The strong winger still started the meeting, before making a mistake in the first seconds to go out, to pay tribute to his teammate.

A gesture that touched Klay Thompson. “Draymond is a selfless person and I’m glad he was on the pitch even for a few seconds, that means a lot to me. We experienced it all together, and I can’t wait to play with him again. “

The “Splash Brother” wanted to be grateful after the meeting. He took the time to thank everyone who helped him get back to this level. He also looked back on the difficult times he endured. Moments that made this evening even more beautiful.

“When you tear a ligament or your Achilles heel, it takes time to rebuild your muscles and naturally you wonder if you will be the same, if you are going to have the same physical capacities. I’m so happy to be able to play again. It’s something I’ve loved since I was a kid. “

And if there is one lesson that Klay Thompson should take away from all this time, it is one of hope and perseverance. ” There is always light at the end of the tunnel, He says, nodding his head.

On January 9, all the spotlight was on Klay Thompson to witness the first day of the rest of his career.

Interview and videos filmed in San Francisco.