As the highly anticipated matchup between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors approaches, many fans are eager to see Klay Thompson return to the arena where he experienced so many career-defining moments. However, it seems that Thompson himself is not sharing the same level of enthusiasm as the fans for this Tuesday night showdown.
Thompson, who spent 13 incredible seasons with the Warriors and played a pivotal role in their four NBA championships, recently fielded questions about his upcoming return to Chase Center.
Despite the excitement surrounding his return to the Bay Area, Thompson displayed little emotion during the Mavericks’ press conference, downplaying the occasion as “just another game.”
“It’ll be good to see people you grinded with, obviously,” Thompson said. “But to me, it’s just another regular season game in November.” He acknowledged the significance of the matchup, particularly with the implications for the new NBA Cup, adding, “Obviously there are bigger implications with the NBA Cup. So that’s what’s on my mind, just to win that because I haven’t been a part of it yet.”
The lack of sentimentality came as a surprise to some fans, especially given Thompson’s long history with the Warriors, during which he established himself as one of the franchise’s most iconic players. The sharp-shooting guard was a key part of Golden State’s rise to prominence, and his contributions helped lead the Warriors to multiple NBA championships during his tenure.
Thompson also mentioned that he does not expect it to be challenging to manage his emotions as he enters Chase Center as an opponent for the first time. “I’ve been doing this a long time, and basketball is basketball,” Thompson said, indicating his focus would be solely on the game rather than nostalgia.
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Since joining the Mavericks this past offseason, Thompson has adapted to his new team, though his statistics have shown a slight dip compared to his prime years with the Warriors.
So far this season, Thompson is averaging 13.8 points per game while shooting 35.4% from beyond the arc, a slight decrease from his career averages. Despite the adjustment period, Thompson continues to be an important contributor on both ends of the floor, adding a veteran presence to the Mavericks’ lineup.
When asked about the Warriors’ plans to honor him during his return, which includes giving away captain hats to fans on Tuesday night, Thompson seemed indifferent. “I guess it’s a good thing for the fans,” he remarked. “Kudos to them.” His understated response seemed to downplay the emotional weight of his return to the place where he became a Bay Area icon.
For many Warriors fans, seeing Thompson back at Chase Center, even in a different uniform, will evoke memories of the dynasty years and the championships he helped bring to Golden State.
His iconic shooting performances, his resilience through major injuries, and his partnership with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are memories that will always be cherished by the Bay Area faithful.
Yet for Thompson, this is just another chapter in his basketball journey. His focus is firmly on helping the Mavericks succeed and contributing to his new team’s aspirations.
As the NBA Cup looms large and the regular season continues, Thompson is committed to his present role, no matter how sentimental the matchup may be for others.
The clash between the Mavericks and Warriors will undoubtedly be a special moment for fans who have followed Thompson’s career, but it’s clear that for the man himself, the past is the past.
As he takes the court at Chase Center once again, his focus remains on the task at hand—playing the game he loves and striving for success with his new team.
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