Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson, right, puts up a three pointer over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lauri Markkanen (24) at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Jan 9, 2022 (AP News photo)

An Evening To Remember at Chase Warriors Handle Cavs 96-82

By Barbara Mason

Sunday night fans got to celebrate the biggest game in Chase history. It seems as it we have been waiting a lifetime for the return of the Golden State Warriors (30-9) Klay Thompson. All the blood, sweat and tears that this guy has endured will come to fruition tonight. Win or lose, this game will be an unforgettable welcome home for the phenomenal Klay Thompson. The splash brothers are back!!! What a way to welcome them back as they earned a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (22-18)

“Tonight is about showing our appreciation for what he has had to go through individually and express our affection for him. In a lot of ways it will be a very difficult game to lock in and focus on. That’s the challenge for the group amidst all this emotion,” said Head coach Steve Kerr before the game.

The Warriors took on the Cleveland Cavaliers looking for number 30 of the season. The Warriors will have to focus with all the hoopla that will be going on but they will not be alone. The Cavaliers will also have to block out what will be the loudest crowd that they have ever encountered.

The Warriors will be looking for some better shooting from downtown. They have come off of two forgettable games this season, not only losing two in a row but also two tough games shooting seven of 33 against the Pelicans on Thursday night and five of 28 against Dallas on three’s.

At 11:13 in the first quarter we got to see Klay’s first NBA bucket in 2 1/2 years; a textbook floater in traffic. The Cavaliers will have the challenge of trying to contain both Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. After eleven minutes it became clear that the three-point drought had come to an end as Curry started the game four for four from downtown. The Warriors led after one quarter 24-21.

At the half the Warriors continued to hold the lead 51-46. In the second quarter Thompson had his first dunk and his first three of the game. The Warriors were only shooting 37% but it was their defense that kept the score in favor of Golden State. Kevon Looney had 10 rebounds in the half and Porter had six for a great defensive effort. Curry finished the half with 18 points, the only Warrior in double digits.

The Cavaliers had managed to hang with the Warriors until the third quarter. Golden State came unleashed in the third and extended their lead to 79-60. Looney had an amazing 16 rebounds in the quarter close to his all-time high.

The Cavaliers made a nice bid cutting the Warriors 24 point lead to ten in the fourth quarter but it just wasn’t enough. The Warriors shooting had cooled off in the final quarter but picked back up in the closing minutes. The final was 96-82. .

What could be better than seeing Curry and Thompson together again? Why a win with Curry and Thompson playing their first game together and that’s exactly what they got, the first of many. Thompson was on fire with his signature snarl evident throughout the game.

He had 17 points in 20 minutes of play and didn’t look the least bit winded. Curry finished with 28 points. Looney was amazing breaking his previous rebound record clocking 18. The entire team had a great defensive showing which was needed since the team only shot 39%.

“I was nervous to start. I am so grateful for this fan base. There were four or five shots that I should have made but I’m just thankful to be out here,” said Thompson after the Game. “:I am excited for the future. I’m just happy.”

Next up for the Warriors will be the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Tipoff is schedule for 5:00 PM.