Klay Thompson Returns
by SportZ
941 days. That's how long it's been since Warriors all-star Klay Thompson last played an NBA game. The last time he was on the court was June 13, 2019, in game 6 of the NBA finals against the Toronto Raptors. A lot has happened since then -- Kawhi Leonard, the finals MVP that year, left to join the Clippers, Kevin Durant left to form a new big 3 in Brooklyn, and the whole COVID thing with the bubble unfolded. Today, after around two and a half years -- 31 months -- of gradual recovery, Klay Thompson made his season debut in Sunday's win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After a two and a half year absence, Klay actually put up a decent performance, scoring 17 points in 20 minutes en route to a 96-82 Golden State victory. These points were scored on 7-of-18 shooting from the field, including 3-for-8 from beyond the arc. This performance, though not the most spectacular on paper, was a long time coming for teammates and fans alike. Draymond Green, though he ultimately didn't play due to tightness in his calf, started the game just so he could honor Klay's return; he, the rest of the franchise, and the fans have been anticipating this moment for what must have felt like ages. After months of physical and mental toil on account of his recovery, the return of Klay Thompson is a particularly bright spot in what has already been a great Warriors' season.
