Play.
Klay makes his presence known.
Klay Thompson scored 17 points in the Warriors' 96-87 win against the Cleveland. (2:13)
Klay Thompson sat in his seat and soaked everything in as he was introduced to the starting lineup.
Chase Center was one of its loudest roars.
The Golden State Warriors star guard made his long-awaited return to the floor and scored 17 points in 20 minutes in a 96-82 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers after being out for nearly 31 months.
Thompson missed a few shots in the first half, but he found his range in the third quarter and scored seven of his points.
In his first game since the NBA Finals, Thompson went 7-of-18 from the field, including going 3-for-8 from behind the 3-point line. He reached 12,000 career points and 1,800 3-pointers.
His highlight was a driving dunk. Thompson took two years of frustration out with a one-handed dunk over both Markkanen and Windler in the second quarter.
After tearing his left and right knees in the same game in the NBA Finals, Thompson showed that he still has some of his speed after he threw a poster dunk.
Thompson's shot needed some time to warm up. Thompson missed his first three 3-point attempts before burying one with 1:18 remaining in the half to the delight of the crowd that was ready to explode.
He made his first three shots in the second half, two from the midrange and a 3. Thompson ran over to a corner and yelled to the fans after the timeout that the team took.
Sunday's return might have been more beneficial for Thompson's mental state than his physical one.
Steve Kerr said that tonight may be the most difficult game he plays in. It's different than a playoff game. It's going to be incredibly emotional for the rest of us, so I imagine what Klay would be like.
Everything about Sunday was out of the ordinary.
This will be a game that Kerr will never forget, one that will stand out as one of the highlights of his entire basketball existence.
Kerr said before the game that it felt "surreal". It felt strange having our coaches meeting and talking to Klay. It's been a long time. The players felt it as well.
Thompson sprinted out of the Warriors locker room and onto the floor to a huge applause from the fans who were already in the building watching Stephen Curry go through his warm-up routine.
The Warriors' faithful knew that this was not a typical warm-up.
Thompson clapped along with the fans. Thompson walked in circles as the fans cheered, like a boxer who just entered the ring. Thompson smiled before he began his shooting routine. His first six makes were cheered by onlookers.
Thompson raised his arms in the air in appreciation of the love he received in his first warm-up after he tore his knee.
Thompson was introduced last when the starting five lineup was announced. One of the most popular players in Warriors history was welcomed back with open arms.
Draymond Green was looking forward to this moment for a long time. He told Spears that he couldn't sleep the night before Saturday's practice because he knew he would be able to scrimmage with Thompson again before his return. Green was scratched moments before tip after he experienced tightness in his left calf. He started the game and stopped play after the tip to honor Thompson's return.
Thompson scored on a driving runner in traffic 40 seconds into the contest, giving him his first points in Chase Center.
Thompson made a 3-pointer not long before getting a standing ovation from the fans. A chant "We want Klay!" broke out after that.
The Warriors will continue to ramp up Thompson and hope for another return in the future. Center James Wiseman is going to join the team on its upcoming road trip and be cleared for contact practice.
Kerr said that they're going to ease him into his role. We'll be very conservative to start, but that will build up over the next few weeks.
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