Golden State Warriors to honor Guard Klay Thompson in his return to Chase Center with the Mavericks

 Mere minutes after final buzzer sounded, and with score still showing on big screen, an emotion-stirring graphic went up for all to see: side-by-side photos of Stephen Curry dribbling left-handed and Klay Thompson in nearly same pose but w wearing a blue Mavericks jersey.

Golden State Warriors h just wrapped up ir season-opening homestand and game with Dallas was next date at Chase Center — with all fans in attendance to receive a captain's hat horing Thompson's trition of boating to games as “Captain Klay.”

On Tuesday night, Thompson returns to face Warriors for first time since joining Mavericks in July on a three-year, $50 million contract following 11 seasons and four championships with Golden State.

“I don't think I'll really kw until I get re to be honest,” Thompson said when asked about he'd react to reunion. "It'd be good to see all people I grinded with that's for sure, especially training staff because we h some ... we got to kw each or very well over those rehab stints, very well.”

veteran guard missed more than 2 1/2 years — entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons — recovering from surgeries on his left knee and right Achilles tendon before making his comeback in January 2022. He has called recoveries from consecutive injuries one of hardest and most grueling things he has ever endured.

34-year-old Thompson insists he will be able to focus as if it’s just ar game on schedule, even if that is hardly case. He offered a farewell mess to Bay Area fans when he joined Mavericks four months ago and is still plenty beloved here.

“It won’t be that hard, I’m a pro and I kw what it takes to win in this league so it won't be very hard,” he said. “I kw how to turn p and focus. That’s why I’ve been able to do what I’ve done for 12 healthy seasons, going on 13. Very blessed."

questions from Day 1 of Warriors training camp were largely around Thompson's departure and how Warriors would push forward without Curry's Splash Bror.

y all miss him.

Warriors have a special “Salute Captain Klay” ceremony planned for before tipoff to pay tribute to Thompson's contributions to franchise over 11 years. team said: “Fans are encourd to arrive early, by land or by sea, for a special pregame salute to franchise legend.”

“With Klay, it’s t records or championships or clutch shots that stand out most from last 13 years — it’s truly unique relationship he developed with Bay Area and our fans,” Warriors President and COO Brandon Schneider said in a statement. “He embraced Dub Nation and Dub Nation embraced him back. Warriors fans have laughed, cried, cheered and celebrated alongside him, and it’s only fitting that y get a chance to show ir love and salute him in his return to Bay.”

Thompson plans to enjoy moment, and, of course, try to win.

“It's all good, though,” Thompson said. “I'm embracing it. You only get to do one thing so many times in your life.”