Klay Thompson’s long-awaited comeback came on Sunday night for the Golden State Warriors who were all smiles in a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After rehabilitation for a torn ligament suffered in the 2019 final against the Toronto Raptors and a ruptured Achilles tendon afterwards, the 31-year-old was back in his team’s starting lineup.
Draymond Green also wanted to be part of the party. Despite a calf injury, he was one of the five starters on his team. He was fouled after seven seconds of play to be substituted to spend the rest of the game on the bench.
The start of the meeting couldn’t be better written in a script, as Thompson scored his team’s first points. He lifted the fans and his teammates out of their seats in the second quarter when he landed a powerful dunk after a nice breakthrough to the basket. Moments later, he recorded his first good throw for three points of the game.
Thompson concluded the game with three successful downtown shots in eight attempts and a total of 17 points in 19:55.
Stephen Curry also stood out for the return of his lifelong accomplice by finishing the match with 28 points.
In the Cavaliers, Kevin Love was limited to two points and seven rebounds.
