SAN FRANCISCO — In a poignant moment shortly after the game ended, fans witnessed an emotional display on the big screen: side-by-side images of Stephen Curry maneuvering with the ball using his left hand and Klay Thompson striking a similar pose in a blue Mavericks jersey. This event marked the conclusion of the Golden State Warriors’ season-opening homestand, with their upcoming match against Dallas scheduled at Chase Center. Fans attending the game will receive a special captain’s hat that celebrates Thompson’s tradition of arriving to games by boat, affectionately dubbed “Captain Klay.”
On Tuesday evening, Thompson will be facing the Warriors for the first time since signing with the Mavericks this past July, in a deal worth three years and $50 million. This transition came after he spent an impressive 11 seasons with the Warriors, contributing to four championship victories.
When reflecting on his anticipated return, Thompson expressed uncertainty about how he would feel, stating, “I don’t think I’ll really know until I get there to be honest. It’d be good to see all the people I grinded with, especially the training staff, as we formed a strong bond over those rehabilitations.” During his career, the veteran guard endured a challenging 2 ½-year hiatus, sitting out the entirety of the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons while he recuperated from surgeries on his left knee and right Achilles tendon. He has described the recovery process from these injuries as one of the toughest experiences of his life.
Despite the emotional weight of the reunion, the 34-year-old Thompson is determined to treat this match like any other. Four months ago, when he announced his departure to join the Mavericks, he offered a heartfelt farewell to Bay Area fans, and he remains a beloved figure in the region. “It won’t be that hard. I’m a pro and I know what it takes to win in this league, so it won’t be very hard,” he stated. “I know how to turn the page and focus, which has been key to my career over 12 healthy seasons, soon to be 13. I feel very blessed.”
Since Thompson’s absence from the Warriors, discussions during training camp have centered around how the team will adjust to life without one of Curry’s closest teammates. His presence is surely missed. To honor his contributions, the Warriors have organized a “Salute Captain Klay” ceremony scheduled before the game, inviting fans to arrive early for this tribute. The team emphasized the importance of this pregame salute to Thompson, recognizing his profound impact over more than a decade.
“With Klay, it’s not just the records, championships, or clutch shots that stand out — it’s the unique bond he cultivated with the Bay Area and our supporters,” remarked Warriors President and COO Brandon Schneider. “He embraced Dub Nation, and in turn, they embraced him back. Warriors fans have experienced a myriad of emotions alongside him, making it fitting that they have the opportunity to express their admiration when he returns to the Bay.”
As the momentous occasion approaches, Thompson is ready to savor it while aiming for a win. “It’s all good,” he mentioned. “I’m embracing it. You only get to do one thing so many times in your life.”