It is with an extract from the first “Space Jam”, with Bill Murray who offers his help to Michael Jordan, that Klay Thompson confirmed his return to the floors this evening, at the Chase Center, against Cleveland!
Almost 31 months after his last match, the “Splash Brother” is particularly eagerly awaited, both by fans and by his teammates. Steve Kerr has made it clear that his full-back will start for his comeback, while Draymond Green has greatly enjoyed reuniting with his partner in practice on Saturday.
“He was in very, very good shape” explained the strong winger. “Just playing with him in training today, for what was really my first training with him (since his injury), it looked normal. Last night I couldn’t sleep. I had like electric currents going through my body, as if I was sitting on an electric wire. When we got into position for the jump ball, I was just there watching him. Wow, I hadn’t stood next to this guy for two and a half years. “
Even if Golden State is still in 2nd place in the West (29 wins – 9 losses), the team has slowed down a bit lately, especially offensively. The quarantines, a Stephen Curry particularly targeted and more clumsy than usual have thus lowered the effectiveness of Steve Kerr’s troop in attack.
“He’s kind of everyone’s favorite guy and we’ve all seen him suffer for two and a half years. It will be very moving ”
For the Warriors, therefore, this is a very important comeback, both emotionally and sportingly.
“I was lucky enough to have probably played 1,000 games (1,038 including the regular season and the playoffs) and having led around 500 matches (690), ”explained Steve Kerr. “There are a few games that you always remember. Certain moments that you always remember. I have no doubt that when Klay first steps onto the court, I will never forget this particular game. “
The Chase Center is thus expecting a powerful moment.
“It will go down as one of the highlights of my entire life as a basketball player, just because of who Klay is and what he meant to our franchise and the Bay, to me, to his teammates. He’s kind of everyone’s favorite guy and we’ve all seen him suffer for two and a half years. It will be very moving ”.
