A Hero’s Welcome: 400 Warriors Employees Line Tunnel for Klay Thompson’s Return

The reception served as the opening act for “Captain Klay” night. Thompson, sporting his new Dallas Mavericks gear, appeared visibly moved as he high-fived security guards, front-office staff, and arena workers. These were the faces he saw during four championship runs and two grueling years of injury rehabilitation. The “business” of the NBA took a backseat for five minutes as the franchise paused to honor one of its “Big Three.”

More Than Just a Game

The Warriors organization spared no detail for the reunion. Every fan in the building received a white captain’s hat, a nod to Thompson’s famous boat commutes across the Bay. But the tunnel walk was different. It wasn’t for the cameras or the millions watching on TNT; it was for the staff who considered Thompson family.

Thompson spent 13 seasons in Golden State, leaving as the franchise leader in games played for many of the staff members lining the hall. While the NBA Cup matchup against the Mavericks carried high stakes, the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion than a scouting report.

“I didn’t expect all that. It’s a lot of familiar faces. It’s hard to stay focused on a game when you see so much love, but it’s something I’ll never forget.”
— Klay Thompson on his arrival at Chase Center

The Splash Brother Split

While the hallways were filled with warmth, the court remained a battleground. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green awaited their long-time brother with a competitive edge. This marked the first time the trio had been in the same building as opponents, a reality that still feels surreal for the Warriors faithful.

The tribute didn’t stop in the tunnel. The Warriors aired a two-minute video package during pre-game introductions, chronicling Thompson’s 20,000+ minutes in a Warriors jersey. From the 60-point game on 11 dribbles to the legendary “Game 6 Klay” performances, the highlights reminded the crowd why Thompson’s jersey will eventually hang in the rafters.

What’s Next

Once the ball was tipped, the nostalgia evaporated. Thompson immediately hit his first three-pointer, sparking a back-and-forth thriller that saw Curry score the final 12 points to secure a 120-117 Warriors win. For Thompson, the return provided the closure needed to move forward with Dallas. For the Warriors, it was a reminder that while the roster changes, the bonds built during a decade of winning are permanent.