The hardwood at the Chase Center felt different on this particular night as a familiar figure returned, adorned not in the golden hue synonymous with the Golden State Warriors, but in the distinct colors of the Dallas Mavericks. Klay Thompson, a Bay Area legend, was back in front of adoring fans who proudly donned captain's hats—a tribute fit for a man who had dedicated over a decade of success to the Golden State Warriors.
The Legacy of Klay Thompson
Thompson's return to San Francisco stirred emotions for both the player and the fans. He contributed his first 11 NBA seasons to the Warriors, crafting a legacy rich in skill, commitment, and an aura that captured the hearts of many from his early days in the Bay. Steve Kerr, Thompson's coach throughout those formative years, eloquently summarized this connection, saying, "It's not just the skill with Klay, it's not just the commitment to the organization, the competitive desire. 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."
A New Chapter in Dallas
The narrative this season, however, sees Thompson writing a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks. Secured through a three-year, $50 million sign-and-trade deal during the off-season, Thompson has brought his sharpshooting expertise to Texas. Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has expressed genuine appreciation for Thompson's presence in the team, emphasizing, "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."
Since joining the Mavericks, Thompson has averaged 14 points and four rebounds with a 35% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc. These numbers hint at adaptation, yet remain a testament to his enduring capabilities as a scoring threat. On this significant night at the Chase Center, Thompson gave a glimpse of his prowess, scoring 22 points against his former team with an impressive 6-of-12 shooting performance from three-point range.
Warriors Edge Mavericks in NBA Cup Opener
Beyond the emotional narratives, the evening's contest also marked the opening night of the NBA Cup, in which the Warriors faced off against the Mavericks. In a tightly contested game, Stephen Curry once again demonstrated why he is one of the league’s elite. Delivering a stunning 10-0 run, Curry spearheaded a drive that ultimately secured a 120-117 victory for the Warriors. This victory served to enhance Golden State's season record to an impressive 9-2.
In contrast, the Mavericks saw their record drop to 5-6. Despite the loss, the team could draw positives from the competitive showing and the productive outing of their new signing, Thompson. These statistics stand as a minor speed bump in what promises to be an intriguing season of adaptation and challenge.
A Storied Career Continues
Klay Thompson's career is studded with memorable moments, including an awe-inspiring career-high of a 60-point game for the Warriors in 2016. His career averages of 19.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, with shooting splits of 45% from the field, 41% from beyond the arc, and 86% from the line reflect his enduring excellence.
Thompson's presence in Dallas adds a seasoned element to a team looking to bolster their competitive edge. Both the player and the team have room to grow together, and if these early performances indicate anything, it's that Thompson's storied journey in the NBA is far from over.
As the season unfolds, the eyes of both Warriors and Mavericks fans will be on Thompson, whose resilience and commitment continue to inspire. Whether it is the roar at the Chase Center or the encouragement at American Airlines Center, Klay Thompson remains a luminary presence whose career evolution from a steadfast Warrior to a strategic Maverick adds a compelling layer to the 2023 NBA season.