Klay Thompson receives emotional reception in return to Chase Center - ESPN

Klay Thompson returned to the Bay Area on Tuesday to face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, at Chase Arena.

The Dallas Mavericks guard spent 13 years with the Warriors, winning four NBA titles and being named to five All-Star Games. He has the second-most 3-point field goals made and played the fourth-most games in franchise history. Thompson played a key role in Golden State's dynasty before leaving to sign with the Mavs in the offseason.

Deemed «Salute Captain Klay» night, the Warriors showered Thompson with love all night, headlined by a video tribute that played before his name was announced in the Dallas starting five and fans tipping their caps.

From: <a href=«https://twitter.com/hashtag/DubNation?src=hash&ref_src=» https:>#DubNation

To: Klay Thompson

THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/udTamwW4FJ

Here's a look back at other notable happy returns for stars across multiple sports.

Game stats: 25 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal

Game result: Milwaukee Bucks lose 119-116

After spending the first 11 years of his career with the Trail Blazers, Lillard played his first game back in Portland as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2024.

In his first game at the Moda Center as a visiting player, fans gave him a standing ovation when his name was announced in the starting lineups. The home team also played a video tribute after the first timeout, leading to another ovation for Lillard.

Welcome back, D.O.L.L.A. pic.twitter.com/37G9lW5YbH

In his words: «These types of games where there's a lot of meaning and a lot of emotion — these are always fun. These games have a little bit more juice in them. That's what tonight was. It was an entertaining game.»

Game stats: 34 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds

Game result: Hou