Thompson makes successful return for Warriors in first game since 2019

The Golden State Warriors’ title hopes have received a huge boost, with All-Star guard Klay Thompson making a successful return from a long injury layoff

The two-guard was last sighted in an NBA game on June 13, 2019, where he tore his left ACL during the Finals against Toronto.

A torn achilles would then thwart his initial comeback in late 2020, with Warriors fans made to wait more than two years to see the ‘Splash Brothers’ in Thompson and Steph Curry reunited.

Despite the horror injury run, Thompson fitted back into his role seamlessly at home against Cleveland on Monday, starting at the shooting guard slot and scoring 17 points from 20 minutes.

"HE'S BAAAAACK!"

Klay Thompson is introduced for the first time at Chase Center. pic.twitter.com/DlYjv6Svj3

— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2022

Thompson’s quality minutes contributed to a 96-82 Warriors win, with MVP hopeful Curry dropping 28 points, five rebounds and five assists.

The veteran’s comeback couldn’t arrive at a better time for the Warriors, who are sitting atop the Western conference standings with a record of 30 wins and nine losses.

Thompson’s return could catapult the Warriors ahead of the Brooklyn Nets at outright title favourites at the midway point of the season.