Klay Thompson’s Return to the Bay: ‘Basketball is Basketball’ as He Faces Warriors in NBA Cup Opener

Klay Thompson returns to Chase Center as a Maverick, facing the Warriors in an emotional NBA Cup opener. Dub Nation honors him with "Captain Klay Night" and heartfelt tributes.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

SAN FRANCISCO — Tuesday night promises to be one of the most memorable moments in Golden State Warriors history as Klay Thompson returns to Chase Center, not in the blue and gold, but as a Dallas Maverick. Thompson will face the franchise he helped turn into a dynasty for the first time, wearing new colors in a familiar setting. This game also serves as the NBA Cup opener for both teams, adding competitive significance to an already emotional reunion.

Reflecting on the upcoming game, Thompson remains focused, treating the night as another opportunity to compete. “It’ll be good to see people I grinded with, obviously,” he said recently, “but to me, it’s just another regular season game in November. Of course, there are bigger implications with the NBA Cup, so that’s what’s on my mind. I want to win that because I haven’t been a part of it yet.”