SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Klay Thompson stepped off the team bus Tuesday night, smiling as he made his way back into Chase Center, where around 400 cheering Warriors employees gave him a warm welcome. They lined the path to the Dallas Mavericks’ locker room, expressing their admiration and support for the former Golden State star.

Many fans wore "Captain Klay" hats, honoring Thompson's 13 years with the Warriors, including the two years he spent recovering from injury, and the four championships he helped bring to the Bay Area. The hats, distributed to fans for the special event, filled the arena as highlights from Thompson's legendary career were shown on the big screen.

Thompson, now playing for the Mavericks, was visibly moved by the warm reception. Stephen Curry rushed over to greet him with a quick embrace, followed by a hug from Andrew Wiggins. The crowd cheered loudly as Thompson performed a brief jump-rope routine before heading onto the court, where Warriors fans erupted in applause, capturing the emotional moment on their phones.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr had thought about having Curry speak to the crowd before tipoff, but after discussing it with Thompson, they both agreed to keep the focus on the game. Kerr joked about the matchup, saying, “Who’s guarding Thompson? I’m not telling you.” 

Curry, however, quickly made his presence felt. Just 15 seconds into the game, he fouled Thompson, who confidently hit two free throws to score the first points. Thompson missed his first two field-goal attempts but redeemed himself by sinking a three-pointer with just over a minute left in the first quarter.

"I expect him to be the same aggressive Klay I've watched for the past 10 years," Kerr said. "None of us would want him any other way."

The Warriors invited all of their employees to welcome Thompson, who joined the Dallas Mavericks in July on a three-year, $50 million contract. At 34, Thompson endured more than two and a half years of intense recovery from surgeries on his left knee and right Achilles tendon before making his emotional return in January 2022.

Kerr reflected on Thompson’s journey, describing it as "almost unprecedented." He highlighted the challenges Thompson faced upon his return, working to regain his form while grappling with the loss of his prime seasons. "We all saw him struggle emotionally, but he persevered and helped us win a championship. He even led the league in three-pointers two years ago—truly incredible accomplishments."

Although the Warriors had hoped Thompson would finish his career in Golden State, Kerr recognized that a fresh start in Dallas was what Thompson needed after a difficult season. "He wasn’t happy here last year, and that was tough to see because he deserves to be happy. At his core, he’s a very joyful person."

Although Thompson tried to downplay the emotional significance of the night, he was clearly moved by the tribute from the Warriors and their fans. When the crowd erupted during his introduction, tipping their "Captain Klay" hats in his honor, Thompson waved and saluted the crowd, visibly touched by the heartfelt gesture.

Dallas head coach Jason Kidd commended Thompson’s professionalism and his ability to create space on the court, stating that the Mavericks were "lucky to have him." Kidd also acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment for Thompson, recognizing his significance to both the Warriors and the Mavericks.

Before the game, the Warriors hosted a special "Salute Captain Klay" ceremony to celebrate Thompson's legacy with the franchise, his iconic boat rides across the bay to games, and his influence both on and off the court. It was an emotional evening for all involved, marking not only Thompson’s return to San Francisco but also the start of a new chapter in his career. He’ll return in February when the Mavericks make their second visit to Chase Center.

Warriors President and COO Brandon Schneider highlighted the importance of the evening, saying, “What Klay has meant to our organization, to all of us, the team accomplishments, his individual achievements, who he is as a person, and all he's done in the community — it’s a truly special night.”

For Kerr, this reunion felt different from Thompson’s first return to the court after his injuries. “That was a welcome back, and we knew good things were ahead — in fact, a championship came just six months later,” Kerr said. “This one feels more like a goodbye — the first time we’ll see him as an opponent. It’s a thank-you and farewell to everything he’s meant to us.”

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