Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30)
Key Points
Curry said, “I wish he was still here...We want you back.”
Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors host the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day, which means that Klay Thompson will return to his former stomping ground. Thompson, who spent the first 13 years of his career with the Warriors prior to making the move to Dallas, will get to play his former team and against his former teammates on one of the NBA’s biggest nights.
Curry and Thompson exchanged pleasantries before Thursday’s matchup, and the NBA shared a video of the moment. It quickly drew the attention of fans on social media, who could not help but reminisce about the good old days.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry and Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson.
Thompson joined the Mavs in 2024 via a sign-and-trade deal. He was part of what turned out to be a six-team trade. The five-time All-Star put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth $50 million as he officially put an end to his memorable stint with the Warriors.
Thompson has been relegated to a bench role for the Mavs this season. He has started just eight times out of 28 appearances for Dallas this term, averaging 11.1 points on 36.9% shooting, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.8 minutes per contest. Thompson is also knocking down 2.8 triples per game on a 35.3% clip.
On Thursday, Thompson shared an endearing pregame moment with Curry as both stars warmed up ahead of tip-off. The two had a brief conversation on center court, and the NBA shared a video of their exchange.
Curry and Thompson won four championships together as part of one of the greatest teams in the history of the NBA. These two have been to many battles together in the past, and their interaction ahead of Thursday’s game drew a lot of attention on social media.
“Warrior legends 🔥🔥” a comment on Instagram read.
“Hope Klay comes back one day and win another ring,” said another.
“😢😢😢😢” posted a viewer.
“Kinda sad ngl,” a reaction read.
“Those smiles 😭😭😭😭 I’m not well 🤧” another said.
“He’ll be back at that bay soon,” predicted a fan.
Curry recently acknowledged that he still thinks about Thompson’s time with the Warriors and that he is longing for a potential reunion somewhere down the road.
“I wish he was still here,” Curry said of Thompson. “… It would be unbelievable… If that time comes and that conversation is had, of course I’m calling him and saying, ‘We want you back.’”
Both the Warriors and the Mavs have struggled this season. Golden State enters the Christmas Day game with a 15-15 record, while Dallas is at 12-19.