Attention turns to Sunday for possible Klay Thompson return

Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson. Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Attention turns to Sunday as anticipation of Klay Thompson return ramps up

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 1/3/22

The countdown for Klay Thompson to return to the court for the Golden State Warriors feels like it is taking an eternity. And that countdown seemed to be extended when it was reported the five-time All-Star wouldn't suit up for Monday's home game against the Miami Heat.

But there is renewed excitement about Thompson's return as fans begin to eye Golden State's next home game: Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. After Sunday, the next Warriors home game is January 18.

Thompson certainly looks like he's ready to return to game action given how active he has been during recent practices.

Klay Thompson shooting at end of Warriors shootaround today pic.twitter.com/a7bsedzCRe
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) January 3, 2022

The star shooting guard has looked so good that head coach Steve Kerr has already told the media he plans to put Thompson in the starting lineup in his first game back.

Steve Kerr made one thing clear tonight: Klay Thompson will start right away when he comes back.
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) December 31, 2021

Seeing Thompson start against the Cavs would be a real treat for fans given his success against the Eastern Conference team. Per StatMuse, Thompson has averaged 19.3 and 4.3 rebounds against Cleveland through six regular-season games played on the Dubs' home court. (Which is on par with the 19.7 points he averaged against the Cavs during the 2016 NBA Finals.) Needless to say, getting a healthy Klay Thompson back on the court against a tough Cavaliers team would be a nice boost for the Warriors.

Not that Golden State is struggling, by any stretch. The Warriors have found renewed depth this season as multiple weapons in their starting lineup and on their bench have helped them jockey with the Phoenix Suns for first place in the Western Conference.

Thompson's return will ultimately force Kerr to delegate different minutes to players throughout the lineup. But, as teammate Draymond Green revealed to the press, that's a problem the coach doesn't mind having.

"It is an issue, but it is the best issue you can have." -- Draymond on Steve Kerr having to figure out minutes for such a deep group, especially when Klay and Wiseman return
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) January 3, 2022

The Warriors have road games against the Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans before returning to Chase Center to host the Cavs.

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