Miami Heat player Klay Thompson returned to Golden State as an opponent, facing his former teammate Stephen Curry in a game that celebrated their shared history. Thompson, who helped lead the Warriors to four NBA championships, received a warm welcome from fans and former colleagues, despite his new team’s 100-120 loss. The evening served as a poignant reminder of the “Splash Brothers” legacy, with both players expressing deep mutual respect for each other’s enduring excellence.
The game, played at Chase Center in San Francisco, featured a pregame moment where Thompson and Curry were seen laughing and talking on the court, a stark contrast to their on-court rivalry. Thompson scored 11 points in the contest, a dip from his 30-point performance in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers the night before. Thompson’s homecoming was filled with emotion, from the ovation during introductions to the embraces with former teammates and team officials after the final buzzer.
A New Chapter in an Old Rivalry
For Thompson, Tuesday’s game marked his first appearance at Chase Center since leaving the Warriors after the 2023-24 season. Drafted 11th overall by Golden State in 2011, he spent 13 seasons with the team, forming one of the most dangerous backcourts in NBA history with Curry. His move to the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 and subsequent move to Miami this season has positioned him as a new foe.
“It was really fun,” Thompson told the San Francisco Chronicle after the game. “Steph is still such a crafty player. It felt good to block his shot, but then he came right back and made a beautiful play. He had another great performance tonight.”
Thompson’s comments highlighted his firsthand view of Curry’s continued dominance. Thompson’s ability to witness this up close, now from the opposing bench, has given him a new appreciation for his former teammate’s skills.
The Unwavering Respect of a Former Teammate
As teammates for over a decade, Thompson and Curry’s on-court synergy was legendary. But as an opponent, Thompson found himself in a unique position to appreciate Curry’s greatness from a different perspective. “When you’re teammates, you see him every night, so it probably just becomes the norm,” Thompson reflected. “But to see him as an opponent, it’s really surprising. He’s going to be 40 soon and he’s moving like a young athlete. I have the utmost respect for him, and the league will be sad when he’s gone.”
This sentiment was echoed by Curry, who admitted the matchup felt strange. “It’s always great to see him having fun and playing the game he loves,” Curry said. “But of course, tonight I wanted to stop him. It’s still a weird feeling playing against him. We’ve been through so many battles together.”
Curry also revealed that he and Draymond Green, his other longtime Warriors teammate, have kept tabs on Thompson. Curry mentioned sending a message to Green after Thompson hit the game-winning shot against the Clippers on Monday. This ongoing connection shows that even as they now play for different teams, the bond forged in Golden State remains strong.
The Legacy of the Splash Brothers
Thompson and Curry’s partnership, dubbed the “Splash Brothers,” revolutionized the NBA with their ability to score from beyond the arc. Together, they helped transform the Warriors into a dynasty, securing four NBA championships. Thompson’s sharpshooting and Curry’s playmaking created an offensive force that defenses struggled to contain.
Their impact extends beyond the championship banners. They changed how the game is played, influencing a generation of players to embrace the three-point shot. Thompson’s return to Chase Center wasn’t just a game; it was a celebration of that transformative era and the unique friendship at its core.
What’s Next for Thompson and the Heat
Klay Thompson's Warriors Career
- How long did Klay Thompson play for the Warriors?
- Thompson played for the Golden State Warriors for 13 seasons, from 2011 to 2024.
- How many NBA championships did Thompson and Curry win together?
- Together, Thompson and Curry won four NBA championships with the Warriors.
- How many points did Klay Thompson score in his first game back at Chase Center?
- Thompson scored 11 points in the game against the Golden State Warriors.
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