The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Thompson’s return boosts Warriors in win over Cavaliers
The Cavaliers-Kings game Jan. 10 was not completed in time for this edition. For a recap, please visit MorningJournal.com
Klay Thompson scored 17 points in his return from two devastating injuries that sidelined him more than 2 ½ years, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the Cavaliers, 96-82, on Jan. 9.
Thompson was 7 of 18 from the field and 3 of 8 from 3-point range. He added three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 20 minutes, walking off the court to a thunderous ovation followed by chants of “Klay! Klay!” from the Chase Center crowd.
Stephen Curry had 29 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Jordan Poole added 14 points for Golden State. The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak to tie Phoenix for the NBA lead at 30-9.
Lamar Stevens had 17 points and four rebounds for Cleveland.
Thompson missed 941 days and hadn’t played since tearing the ACL in his left knee in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals against Toronto. While rehabbing from surgery for that injury, he tore his right Achilles tendon scrimmaging on his own in November 2020.
The five-time All-Star finally made his much-anticipated return, and reached two career milestones — 12,000 points and 1,800 3-pointers.
“It was just amazing having him out there,” Curry said on the television broadcast.
Thompson got off to a slow start but showed plenty of the flash that made him a vital component on Golden State’s three championship teams from 2015-18.
At one point Thompson brought the crowd to its
Cavaliers guard Darius Garland works against the Warriors during the first half Jan. 9.
feet when he drove around a defender near the 3-point line and scored on a jarring one-handed dunk. Thompson snarled and pounded his chest as he walked back toward midcourt. Moments later he made his first 3-pointer to go over 12,000 points and put the Warriors up 49-41.
After spending time on a stationary bicycle, Thompson started the third quarter and made three consecutive shots, including his 1,800th.
Tip-ins
CAVALIERS » Isaac Okoro missed his third straight game because of a sprained left elbow.
Box score
Markkanen 2-6 4-4 9, Mobley 5-12 1-3 11, Allen 5-7 2-4 12, Garland 3-12 1-2 9, Stevens 8-11 1-1 17, Love 1-7 0-0 2, Osman 1-6 2-4 4, Windler 1-4 0-0 3, Rondo 6-10 0-0 15. Totals 32-75 11-18 82.
Green 0-0 0-0 0, Wiggins 3-9 4-4 10, Looney 3-6 0-1 6, Curry 10-21 4-4 28, Thompson 7-18 0-0 17, Bjelica 0-5 0-0 0, Porter Jr. 3-9 0-1 6, Toscano-Anderson 1-3 0-0 2, Iguodala 2-9 0-0 4, Payton II 4-5 0-0 9, Poole 6-12 0-0 14. Totals 39-97 8-10 96.
Cleveland 7-24 (Rondo 3-3, Garland 2-7, Markkanen 1-3, Windler 1-4, Osman 0-2, Love 0-4), Golden State 10-42 (Curry 4-11, Thompson 3-8, Poole 2-6, Porter Jr. 0-3, Wiggins 0-3, Iguodala 0-4, Bjelica 0-5);
None; Cleveland 42 (Allen, Love 7), Golden State 54 (Looney 18);
Cleveland 21 (Rondo 5), Golden State 24 (Curry, Iguodala 5); Cleveland 10, Golden State 20; (18,064) 18,064