The night began on a bittersweet note as Klay Thompson searched for the visitor's locker room at Chase Center, welcomed by a crowd of 400 Warriors employees. Each employee sported a captain’s hat to honor “Captain Klay” in his return, a sobriquet he earned for frequently boating across the San Francisco Bay to Warriors home games. Thompson was beloved for more than just his on-court play; he was a fan favorite for his quirks, unique interests, and his dog Rocco.
Tuesday night was emotional for Thompson and Warriors fans alike. The former Splash Brother was honored with a touching tribute video during the pre-game introductions and received a heartfelt standing ovation from the sold-out crowd when he ran onto the court.
Golden State announced four of the Mavericks’ starting five, saving their old friend for last. After loud boos kindly welcomed Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the Warriors cued a tribute video to thank Thompson for his contributions to the organization. Klay lept off the bench and stood near center court for a few minutes, taking in the crowd’s greeting as they tipped their captain’s hats in appreciation.
Once the pre-game festivities came to a close, the game began, and Steph Curry held no prisoners.
On the opening possession, Thompson posted up Curry and drew a shooting foul, sinking both free throws – as he typically does – on his way to a 22-point night.
“I wasn’t going to let him score, and I fouled him,” Curry admitted after the game.
Thompson matched his season high with six of twelve three-pointers, but, as often happened in Golden State, he was upstaged by his former Splash Brother.
Curry led all scorers with 37 points, adding nine assists and six rebounds. He closed the game scoring Golden State’s final 12 points from the 3:10 mark in the fourth quarter onward.
With just 27.1 seconds remaining and the Warriors ahead 115-114, the Warriors had possession. For those who watched the 2024 Paris Olympics, you knew exactly how this would end.
If Steph Curry has the ball with a chance to win the game, parents in the Bay Area might as well turn off the lights and put the kids to bed because it's "Night Night."
Curry took the ball and sized up Dereck Lively II. Characteristically blasé in these high-pressure moments, Curry had a composed demeanor because the outcome was predetermined – it was about to be game over.
The Chef danced around the top of the key, picked his victim and spot, took one hard dribble toward Lively II, stepped back, and laced a 28-foot fall-away three-pointer, giving Golden State a 118-114 lead. Curry is so adept at converting late-game shots that these low-probability moments have taken on the expectation of an automatic, uncontested layup. He rarely misses and often hits all-net – the guy is frankly remarkable.
Curry celebrated with his signature "Night Night" gesture. He pounded his chest emphatically with both fists and shouted with exuberance to the crowd.
In a game that brought back memories of the dynasty, Curry reminded everyone who was at the heart of those four championship runs and why he remains the most entertaining player in basketball – and perhaps all of sports.
For Klay Thompson, it was a night filled with nostalgia and warmth – a night he will likely never forget – but his former running mate stole the show once again.
The Warriors are now 9-2, atop the Western Conference, while the Mavericks fall to 5-6.
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