Klay Thompson is BACK!
941 days had passed since the Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson last played in an NBA game, going back to Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals.
MORE: Does Klay Thompson's return make Warriors consensus title favorite?
After a long stint on the sidelines, Thompson suited up for the Warriors at Chase Center against the Cleveland Cavaliers and immediately felt the love from the Bay Area fans. After a nervous start to the game - despite scoring the Dubs' first basket of the night - Thompson slowly began to look more like his old self.
He finished with 17 points in 20 minutes on the night, including some signature 3-pointers and a drive-and-slam through traffic to remind folks that he was all the way back.
Golden State got the W, 96-82, and move to 30-9 on the season. They have a difficult four-game road trip ahead with games at Memphis, Milwaukee, Chicago and Minnesota.
The Sporting News has you covered with all the live updates, scores, stats and highlights from Klay's return:
Warriors vs. Cavaliers live updates, highlights, stats
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL | |
| Warriors | 24 | 27 | 28 | 17 | 96 |
| Cavaliers | 21 | 25 | 14 | 22 | 82 |
FINAL: Warriors 96, Cavaliers 82
Steph Curry 28 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists
Klay Thompson 17 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Lamar Stevens 17 points, 4 rebounds
Rajon Rondo 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds
10:40 p.m: That's a warp from San Fran. Dubs win 96-82
10:38 p.m: Standing O for Klay when he left the game
10:34 p.m : Klay Thompsn exits the game. 17 points for Klay on 18 shots in 20 minutes. He's gonna get shots up no matter what!
10:20 p.m: Klay checks back into the game
End of the Third Quarter
10:11 p.m : SPLASH BROS FELXIN'
10:07 p.m: 19-3 run for the Warrios and they have their largest lead of the game - 79-55.
9:56 p.m: Just like old times. Steph and Klay have 32 of the Warriors' 60 points
9:54 p.m: That's 1,800 career triples for Klay
9:51 p.m : Whatever nerves Klay may have had in the first half have gone. Seven quick points to start the third and the Cavs call timeout.
9:49 p.m : Lots of love for Klay from around the league tonight.
Halftime: Warriors 51, Cavaliers 46
Steph Curry 18 points, 3 rebounds
Klay Thompson 7 points
Lamar Stevens 13 points, 2 rebounds
Jarrett Allen 7 points, 4 rebounds
9:28 p.m: Okay, Klay is ALL the way back now.
9:24 p.m: Klay Thompson checks back in for the first time since the first quarter.
9:22 p.m: Steph Curry is 4-of-6 from 3-point range, the rest of the Warriors? A paltry 1-of-16.
9:14 p.m: ALWAYS box out the shooter!
9:07 p.m: Kevin Love opens the second quarter scoring.
End of the First Quarter: Warriors 24, Cavaliers 21
Steph Curry 14 points, 2 rebounds
Klay Thompson 2 points
Jarrett Allen 7 points, 2 rebounds
Darius Garland 6 points, 1 assist
8:55 p.m : Steph Curry is 4-of-4 from deep. 11-0 run from the Dubs. They led 22-15. Timeout.
8:51 p.m: It's not just the fans happy to see Klay back.
8:49 p.m: Klay Thompson exits the game for the first time for a rest. Head coach Steve Kerr will be monitoring Thompson's minutes.
8:46 p.m: Steph Knocks down another 3-pointer. That's 161 consecutive games with a made three breaking, well, his own record.
8:42 p.m: We have tip-off and immediately Klay Thompson has made an impact! First bucket back is in the books!
Pregame
HE'S BACKKKKKKKK
Big applause for Klayas he warms up. Who else has a funny feeling the roof will blow off when he's introduced later?
Klay is on the court for warm-up!
Steph Curry is warming up in his Splash Brother's jersey
The Dubs' rookies are ready for Klay's return
Before tip-off re-ive some of Klay's best moments
Thompson has arrived for Klay Day!
Draymond Green welcomes back his running mate.
How to watch Warriors vs Cavaliers
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 9
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBA TV
- Live stream: Sling TV