Klay Thompson, one of the most iconic players in Golden State Warriors history, has revealed that he hasn’t been in contact with his former teammates, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, ahead of his first game against the Warriors since joining the Dallas Mavericks.
Speaking to Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Thompson stated, “I’m locked-in. Not really. I will see them when I see them. That’s it.”
The trio of Curry, Thompson, and Green led the Warriors to four NBA titles, becoming one of the most successful groups in league history. Their combined success, including 518 regular-season and playoff wins, has cemented their place in NBA lore. However, for Thompson, the past is behind him as he focuses on his new journey with the Mavericks.
Thompson emphasized that he is fully committed to his current team, saying, “That chapter is over. I’m in the midst of trying to win here.” He expressed his desire to look forward and not dwell on the past. “There’s no point in missing anything when we have such a great opportunity here to be great,” he added.
As for his return to the Bay Area, Thompson said he isn’t overly sentimental about facing his former team. “It will be good to see people that you grinded with obviously, but to me, it’s just another regular-season game in November,” Thompson explained. He acknowledged the significance of the NBA Cup but emphasized that his focus is on the game itself, not the emotional reunion.
Despite not reflecting much on his Warriors career, Thompson is confident in his new team. The Mavericks currently hold a .500 record with five wins and five losses, sitting 11th in the Western Conference, while the Warriors are off to a hot start with an 8-2 record, ranking third in the West.
However, Thompson remains optimistic about the team’s potential. “We have some real experience and a chance of winning,” he said. “I know we are .500 right now and playing mediocre basketball. But from my experiences, it’s a long season, and you have to peak at the right time.”
In the lead-up to his first game against the Warriors, Thompson stressed the importance of staying focused. “You have to keep going, keep your emotions and stay the course. Keep a smile on your face,” he stated. The Mavericks’ 2024-25 season has yet to fully take off, but Thompson is determined to contribute to its success.
Thompson’s return to Golden State is sure to be a momentous occasion for Warriors fans, but Thompson himself is not looking back. “Basketball is basketball,” he said, downplaying the emotional aspect of his return. “I’m just focused on the game and helping my team win.”
Through ten games this season, Thompson is averaging 13.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 30.1 minutes per game. The Mavericks will look to improve their standing in the highly competitive Western Conference as they aim for success throughout the season.
