January 2022 was a big month for the Golden State Warriors. Klay Thompson returned to the lineup for the Dubs after missing 941 days with injuries. Klay suffered an ACL injury in Game 6 of the 2019 Final, which ruled him out for the 2019-2020 season. As he was finally getting healthy and nearing his return, he tore his Achilles while practicing.
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Thompson ended up missing the 2020-21 NBA season as well. His return to the NBA was handled with caution by the Dubs. He finally made his comeback on January 9th, 2022, against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
HE’S BAAAAACK pic.twitter.com/PYK6MdmAGV
— VoteKlay4AllStar (@warriors) January 10, 2022
Klay impressed us all that night, scoring 17 points, grabbing three boards, and blocking a shot in just 20 minutes of action. The Warriors took down the Cavs 96-82. After the win, Klay had someone special deliver the game ball to him.
Klay Thompson trolled Stephen Curry after receiving the game ball
After that game, there was nothing but joy in the Warriors’ locker room. To add even more cheer, Stephen Curry brought his son, Canon Curry, as well. Steve Kerr asked Canon to come to him and take the game ball to Klay.
Canon did just that. He went in front of Klay and passed the ball to the 5x All-Star. Klay joked and said, “I said you’re a better passer than your dad!”
This moment between Klay & Canon is forever adorable 💛
— VoteKlay4AllStar (@warriors) January 6, 2023
That’s a hilarious joke, Klay.
Steph is the Warriors’ all-time assist leader, with 5,565 dishes under his belt. Along with that, the lion’s share of Steph’s assists have gone to his Splash Brother.
How has Klay done since his return?
Ever since his return from the injuries, Klay Thompson felt like he was playing with a weight attached to his shoulders. Sure, fans expected him to suddenly go back to how he used to play. He averaged 20 points per game last season, despite returning from two major injuries. He did have a few big performances, but it felt like he hadn’t found his stride yet.
However, all that has changed over the course of this home stand the Warriors are on. Over the last four games, Klay has been feeling like himself again. He even recorded a 54-point performance during this stretch.
Klay Thompson in his last four games:
36 points per game.
The MOST in 4 games he’s EVER had. Insanity. pic.twitter.com/5EZ5Gqw5gT
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 5, 2023
It is wonderful to see Klay play freely and find his rhythm. If he keeps this up even after Steph returns from his injury, the Warriors are going to be causing a lot of troubles yet again.