Klay Thompson has reached two career milestones on his return from back-to-back injuries, helping the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 96-82 in the NBA.
Key points:
- Klay Thompson hadn’t played since tearing his ACL in game six of the 2019 NBA finals
- Along with his 17 points against the Cavaliers, Thompson added three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 20 minutes
- The 31-year-old reached two career milestones — 12,000 points and 1,800 3-pointers
After more than two and a half years on the sideline, Thompson scored 17 points — netting seven of 18 shots from the field and three of eight attempts from three-point range.
The five-time All-Star’s much-anticipated return also saw him celebrate career milestones of 12,000 points and 1,800 three-pointers.
Thompson added three rebounds, an assist and a steal in 20 minutes, before walking off the court to a standing ovation and the home crowd chanting his name.
The 31-year-old missed 941 days after tearing the ACL in his left knee in game six 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.
Stephen Curry was also instrumental in the victory with 29 points, five rebounds and five assists. Lamar Stevens had 17 points and four rebounds for Cleveland.
The Warriors snapped a two-game losing streak to tie Phoenix for the NBA lead with 30 wins and 9 losses.
ABC/AP
