Klay taps into Chase Center memories with big game vs. Warriors

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Klay taps into Chase Center memories with big game vs. Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Klay Thompson’s second visit to Chase Center wasn’t as emotional as it was the first time he came back, but the five-time NBA All-Star still got caught up in the moment as he walked off the court at the end of the game.

One of the cornerstones in the Warriors’ four NBA championship runs from 2015-22, Thompson was cheered by several thousand Golden State fans after the Mavericks slapped the Warriors 143-133 on Sunday night.

Wildly popular when he wore a Warriors uniform, Thompson is still revered in these parts and he took some time to soak it all in. He signed a few autographs then blared out lyrics from an E-40 song as he skipped happily down the tunnel toward the Dallas locker room.

“I love shooting at Chase,” Thompson said. “I’ve been lucky enough to set records here and have incredible memories, so I try to tap into that every time I’m back. It was just as fun as the first time I came back, especially seeing all the No. 11 jerseys and seeing the young fans and seeing how much of an impact I was able to have while I was here.

“Makes me incredibly proud of what I was able to do.”

Unlike when Thompson first came back to San Francisco in a Mavericks uniform a month ago, the atmosphere was a bit more subdued inside Chase Center on Sunday. Fans cheered for him during pregame introductions, but that was about as far as it got.

There was no welcoming committee crowd of 400 employees who wore captain hats like there was Nov. 12, when the Warriors spoiled Thompson’s homecoming to the Bay Area with a 120-117 victory.

It still was a special night anyway.

Thompson poured in a season-high 29 points to go with five rebounds and four assists. The former Splash Brother rained down seven threes, matching Stephen Curry for most in the game, and shot 9 of 14 overall to finish plus-21.

It was a much-needed victory for the Mavericks. Sitting in fourth place in the crowded Western Conference, Dallas had lost seven of its previous nine before gouging Golden State at Chase.

“Klay played great…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/klay-taps-chase-center-memories-061336263.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-12-16 06:13:00

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