"Still hard feelings here" - Brian Windhorst believes Klay Thompson's return to Golden State exposed lingering tensions
On Tuesday night, Klay Thompson made an emotional return to Chase Center to take on the Golden State Warriors. After facing his former team, one NBA insider detailed how the former All-Star could truly be feeling.
This offseason, Thompson put an end to his 13-year run with the franchise that drafted him to join the Dallas Mavericks. Emotions were riding high for many participants, as he was a key member of the Warriors' dynasty.
In his return, the Warriors went all out to honor Klay Thompson. All fans got a captain's hat, a nod to his love of boating. The organization also put together a heartfelt video package to commemorate his time there.
While on "SportsCenter" Wednesday morning, ESPN's Brian Windhorst shared his thoughts on Thompson's return to Golden State. He feels that all of the emotions might not have been as positive as most think.
(3:20) "I think Klay definitely enjoyed the moment before the game," Windhorst said. "I think he enjoyed being back. I think he really enjoyed hitting those clutch shots down the stretch. But I think under the surface, there's still hard feelings."
Thompson had an impressive outing, finishing with 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. However, it wasn't enough for the Mavericks to seal a win. Steph Curry and the Warriors narrowly escaped with a 120-117 victory.
Warriors fans shower Klay Thompson with love in his return to Golden State
In some cases, a player is not always met with a warm welcome when returning to his old stomping grounds. However, that was not the case with Klay Thompson. The Warriors went above and beyond to show their admiration for one of the best guards in franchise history.
During player introduction, the Dallas Mavericks made sure to let Thompson go last. Upon getting introduced, he was met with an elongated standing ovation and endless cheering from the Warriors' fan base.
At his peak, Klay Thompson led the Warriors to multiple championships alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. However, his ending in Golden State was rocky, to say the least. Injuries cost him two years of his career, and his struggles got so bad last season Steve Kerr had to relegate Thompson to the second unit.
How things unfolded last year is arguably why Brian Windhorst made the comments he did. Nonetheless, the Warriors and their fans were able to put that all behind them. Instead, they focused on the big picture and gave Thompson a proper welcome in his return to Golden State.
With this emotional return behind him, Thompson can fully look ahead as he attempts to help the Mavericks get back to the NBA Finals.