The return of Klay Thompson in the San Francisco Bay, on the grounds of his first thirteen seasons in the NBA, was a nice collective moment. This is not always the case, especially since, a few days before this meeting, there was a certain tension among all the protagonists.
It started with the main person involved. “It’s just another November game” Klay Thompson repeated on Sunday. A way to protect himself from the tsunami of emotions that could overwhelm him. You don't spend thirteen seasons in a franchise, winning four titles but also losing two and a half years of your career due to injuries, without having a pit in your stomach when you come back for the first time with another jersey. .
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr had also tried to kick in a few days before the match, trying at all costs not to let their minds wander yet to the sentimental side of this reunion. And yet, Tuesday night at Chase Center, there were plenty of opportunities to do just that.
A moving tribute with restraint
The Warriors had indeed done things with class, announcing that the evening would be a tribute to “Captain Klay”, in a nod to his love for the water and the Bay. All the fans present in the room received a captain's cap to wish good luck to their former protégé.
“It was really a great touch because I am so passionate about everything related to my boat” appreciated Klay Thompson after the meeting. “I saw a lot of familiar faces in the stands, my heart is full tonight. And I'm glad I managed to hold back my tears! »
It was with a big smile and sparkling eyes that upon his arrival at the Chase Center he discovered a guard of honor of 400 Warriors employees in the long tunnel leading from the bus to the visiting locker room.
“I’m so grateful. Giving me so much love… It’s something I will never forget. Hats off to the franchise for organizing this. »
This surprise was the idea of Raymond Ridder, Golden State's press relations manager. Before celebrating Klay Thompson, the player, the Warriors first wanted to pay tribute to Klay Thompson, the man. The colleague, “the family member,” as several fans told us.
You don't spend thirteen years in the same place without making an impact on the people around you. Those who saw him arrive as a 21-year-old rookie and leave as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. You don't spend thirteen years alongside the same teammates without them becoming much more than that.
“How do you explain,” disait Stephen Curry. “He’s my guy, he’s my friend, my accomplice for 13 years. »
The “Splash Brothers” both went through all the emotions. The day before, through two text messages, they had agreed that there would be no speech from Stephen Curry before the match. Too hard. As a symbol, the two players warmed up at the same time, under the eyes of their mutual friends, family members, and former teammates (Andre Iguodala, Festus Ezeli, Zaza Pachulia among others). Everyone glanced at each other, not knowing whether to say hello or wave. A strange situation.
And then came the video tribute and the “standing ovation” from an entire room, cap in hand. A mark of respect and recognition for all the work accomplished. A video also full of nostalgia, leaving a question hanging. How could they get there?
“It will always be weird, there is nothing that can take away this feeling,” admitted Stephen Curry after the meeting. “For years, you've heard us say that we all wanted to play for one franchise and finish this adventure together. »
A fraternal tribute through play
For all the protagonists, this video was probably the most complicated moment to manage. Draymond Green explained that he asked to see the video a few days ago “so I don’t have to find out about it tonight and be taken by surprise by my emotions. »
Steve Kerr said he was moved and on the verge of tears. Stephen Curry was in the tunnel because “I knew I was going to be too emotional if I was on the floor at that moment. I had to protect myself. » Klay Thompson took full advantage of the moment before trying to quickly move on to stay in his match.
It is for this reason that the Warriors showed restraint in their tribute. Even though the fans in the room or watching their screens around the world may have wanted more, they stuck to Klay Thompson's personality. Someone who prefers to be in action rather than in words.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green knew this better than anyone. “The love we have for Klay will always be there, always, and he knows it,” recalled the strong winger. So for them, the best way to honor him was on the field, by playing as hard as possible to honor his competitive spirit.
“You don’t win four titles together without having this sacred fire. Klay has it and we are in a good position to know it. And we have it too, and Klay knows it.” continues Green. “When you play against your brother, you want to beat him even more and you want to raise your level of play. That was our spirit for this match. »
From the first minutes of the match, the energy was palpable. Like a playoff atmosphere. Kevon Looney even said to Draymond Green “it feels like the Oracle tonight”, there was something special in the air. And then the first possession of the match arrived: Klay Thompson defended by Stephen Curry!
“When we shared the defensive strategy with the players in the locker room before the game, it was unreal to say the words: 'Steph, you're on Klay'”shared Steve Kerr with a smile.
“I didn't think they were going to give him the low post ball on the first play, and I can't even tell you what happened. It’s like we’re back at training camp,” laughed Stephen Curry. “He wanted to take the ball so bad,” Draymond Green gently mocked.
A common adjective to describe the evening: surreal
Throughout the entire meeting, the three players were at each other's throats, while beating each other up again and again. But instead of forcing, Klay Thompson let the game come to him, notably scoring eight of his 22 points in the final quarter to put the Mavs in orbit. This was without counting on his former teammates. In four minutes, Draymond Green and Stephen Curry reversed the trend. Possessed, the strong winger made a series of defensive stops while the leader finished the match with a personal 12-0 to get the victory and finally let out all his emotions by screaming 24 seconds from the end after his decisive three points .
“I couldn't imagine anything better. He had a great match. We gave a real show to the fans…” disait Stephen Curry. “If you had told me that before the match, I would have signed straight away. It's an evening that we will remember forever… Being able to think about those thirteen seasons where he was there and the four titles and everything we accomplished together. »
Once this reunion was behind them, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson were reunited again in the weight room next to the Golden State locker room. Klay Thompson's story with the Warriors officially closed last night. It's not the end they had imagined for their magical trio but “Captain Klay” has found his joy of living and that's ultimately the most important thing. For everyone.
Comments collected in San Francisco.
