Klay Thompson stepped into Tuesday’s game in the Bay Area, calling it “just another regular season game” he wanted to win. But by the end, he was filled with gratitude.
Welcome Home, Klay
The Warriors pulled out all the stops to honor Klay’s legacy. Before tip-off, around 400 team employees lined up in the tunnel at Chase Center to greet him warmly. Then came an incredible tribute video that had fans waving their “Captain Klay hats,” a nod to his love for sailing.
During the match, even as Klay nailed six three-pointers, some Warriors fans couldn’t help but cheer for him.
Klay Thompson is forever a legend in The Bay.
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors)
A tearful, joyful captain's salute.
Klay Thompson, Bay Area Legend.
๐๐๐๐
— NBA (@NBA)
A Heartfelt Thank You
Afterward, Klay expressed his appreciation for the fans who cherish him for bringing four NBA titles and countless memories. “It was a really cool experience,” he shared with The Athletic’s Anthony Slater. He loved seeing familiar faces and felt deeply touched by the captain’s hat gesture because of his passion for boating.
Fans always love when players show genuine emotions like this!
Earlier in his press conference, Klay mentioned how surprised he was by the hundreds of Golden State staff welcoming him with captain’s hats. He praised the organization for acknowledging his contributions.
Reflecting on Past Tensions
Hints emerged about past tensions with the Warriors not ending on great terms. Insiders say it wasn’t about money but frustration over how he was used during the 2023-24 season that led to his departure. Coming off the bench after years as a starter threw off his rhythm and ended with a rough night against Sacramento.
Ultimately, instead of staying with Golden State on a bigger deal, he chose a three-year contract worth $50 million with Dallas.
Maybe this celebration is an olive branch from Golden State to mend fences and perhaps invite him back someday before retiring. They’ve already retired his No. 11 jersey and plan to erect a statue in his honor once he’s done playing.
Here is Klay Thompson greeting a bunch of his former Warriors coaches and teammates postgame and then walking out to an ovation
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater)
