Klay Thompson recalls Giannis Antetokounmpo congratulating him

Klay Thompson still vividly remembers a March 2022 game against the Milwaukee Bucks where opposing star Giannis Antetokounmpo crossed the court after the final buzzer to congratulate him on a 38-point performance, as reported by The Athletic. The gesture left a lasting impression on the four-time NBA champion as he worked his way back from a 941-day absence following a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a torn Achilles tendon.

A Milestone Night in Golden State

The encounter took place weeks after Thompson returned to the floor for the Golden State Warriors.

This game gave me the feeling that I could become a great player again, Thompson told The Athletic. At the time, Antetokounmpo was the reigning NBA champion with the Bucks, yet he still made the effort to cross the floor from the opponent’s bench to acknowledge Thompson’s milestone.

Recognition Across Opposing Benches

Despite Milwaukee dropping the contest, Antetokounmpo walked entirely across the court to reach the Golden State sideline.

It is revealing of his humility, Thompson said. After the match, he left the opposing bench and crossed the entire floor to our bench simply to tell me how happy he was for me.

Being one of the 75 best players in history, not being bitter after a defeat when I had just made a great match, and simply coming to congratulate me… It made me look at him differently, Thompson added.

New Chapter in Miami

Following stints with Golden State and two challenging seasons in Dallas, Thompson now joins forces with Antetokounmpo in Miami, bringing his career shooting totals and veteran presence to the Heat roster. At age 36, Thompson acknowledges that his window to compete for another championship is narrowing.

I don’t have many years left to do this, Thompson said. I want to give everything before I hang it up, because Giannis and I know how hard it is to win. The hardest thing in this league is to win a ring.