Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Klay Thompson's Blunt Statement on Return Game vs. Warriors

Originally posted on Golden State Warriors on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Nov 11, 2024 12:01 AM ET

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson built a legacy for himself in the Bay Area that will be told in NBA history for years to come. Thompson left this past offseason after 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, and his highly-anticipated return is on the minds of everyone.

Now a member of the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson and the Mavericks will continue their three-game road trip when they head to San Francisco for a matchup against his former team on Tuesday. When asked about following the team's 122-120 loss against the Denver Nuggets, Thompson delivered a blunt statement.

“It’ll be good to see people you grinded with obviously, but to me, it’s just another regular season game in November," Thompson said.

Asked Klay Thompson about his return to San Francisco on Tuesday for his first game against the Warriors:

“It’ll be good to see people you grinded with obviously, but to me, it’s just another regular season game in November.” pic.twitter.com/Kf9KkUwfNP
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) November 11, 2024

Thompson went on to say there's obviously bigger implications with the NBA Cup, as it marks the first game of group play for both teams on Tuesday.

Thompson also added that he doesn't think he'll find it difficult to compartmentalize his feelings heading back to play his former team, stating "basketball is basketball."

Given Thompson's rather reserved personality, it doesn't come as a surprise that he wasn't outspoken about feeling emotions in facing his former team. Additionally, Thompson could still be feeling bitter given the contract negotiations he went through that ended in him signing a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas in July.

Steph Curry on what it will be like when Klay Thompson returns on Tuesday (via @anthonyVslater)

"We've had homecomings before, but nothing like this. The level of impact and the brand of Klay in the Bay Area is something that I don't know if any way I explain it will do it… pic.twitter.com/KH4m8U023w
— KNBR (@KNBR) November 11, 2024

With Golden State set to hand out "Captain Klay" hats to fans prior to the game, Warriors guard and the other half of the Splash Brothers, Steph Curry, is set to speak before the crowd about Thompson before the 7:00 PM PST tip-off.

This article first appeared on Golden State Warriors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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