After two years without a Splash Brother, the Warriors welcomed Klay Thompson back to the court. Thompson played his first game in a little over two years on January 9th, now formally known as “Klay Day” to many faithful fans. 

Back in 2019, Thompson injured his ACL in a play. During the play, he was fouled and was asked if he would shoot the free throws for his team. Instead of backing away, Thompson took the shots, even on a torn ACL. After the game, he was seen leaving the stadium with ice taped to his knee and walking with crutches. This was a devastating blow to the team and fans alike. Once he had healed, Klay made his return in 2020, where the team, unfortunately, lost him to another injury. While guarding a player on the opposing team, Thompson lost his footing and slipped. This misstep caused him to tear his Achilles. The Warriors had once again lost Klay Thompson. 

After a long two years of waiting, the team finally saw the return of Thompson this January. Draymond Green, one of Thompson’s teammates, took the tip-off in order to be on the court for Thompson’s return. Green, unfortunately, sat out at the beginning of the game due to a calf injury. The stadium energy was what anyone would have expected it to be. About 17,000 fans sat on the edge of their seats, many repping the jersey with the number eleven on it. Thompson played phenomenally upon his return, scoring seventeen points, three rebounds, one assist, and one block within twenty minutes of the game. Thompson was finally reunited with Stephen Curry, making it the return of the Splash Brothers as well. Thompson and Curry, who are referred to as the “Splash Brothers”, scored a combined total of about eleven three-pointers. The team did not disappoint and the Warriors came out triumphant with a score of 128 to 116 against the Sacramento Kings. 

Senior Madison Scheinman was fortunate enough to attend the Warrior game that night. Scheinman had a blast at the game, explaining how she felt extremely lucky to be there. Scheinman stated, “Attending his return game was amazing, the feeling in the arena was crazy, even in warmups every time Klay just touched the ball, the crowd would start cheering and chanting his name, I feel so lucky to have been there to witness that.” As Thompson continues to play in the season, Scheinman anticipates that he will be better than ever. Although she does not know how well he has done recently, she explains, “He did great during that first game and (I don’t exactly know how he has been doing) has continued to do well so I am excited to see how the rest of the season will go.” 

The Warrior fanbase and team are happy to have Thompson back. Everyone hopes that he will be happy and in his prime for as long as possible. Thompson proved to everyone that hard work and dedication are what matters when you play, not your statics, that comes as the reward.