As expected, emotions were high leading up to Tuesday's NBA Cup game between the Dallas Mavericks and Warriors.
Klay Thompson was introduced in front of the Chase Center crowd before tip-off, but as an opponent for the first time in his 14-year NBA career.
Wearing captain hats as part of the "Salute Captain Klay" experience, fans stood on their feet and gave the Splash Bro a warm welcome back to his forever home while a special tribute video played on the jumbotron.
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The Warriors’ tribute video for Klay 🥹 pic.twitter.com/lHgoT5kHTH
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 13, 2024
After the video, Thompson walked onto the court and embraced Dub Nation as the cheers only grew louder.
Chase Center welcomes Klay back to the Bay 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Bb6kcdjOGI
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) November 13, 2024
A fitting reception for a forever franchise legend.
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Spending the last 13 years in the Bay with the Warriors, Thompson's legacy in the region will live on forever -- no matter what jersey he's wearing.
And Tuesday night was living proof of that.