Klay Thompson is back!
After missing the last two and a half years with ACL and Achilles injuries, the Warriors' five-time All-Star took to Instagram to announce he will return to action when Golden State hosts the Cavaliers on Sunday, Jan. 9. It will be his first NBA action since Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals on June 13, 2019, marking 941 days in between appearances.
NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)
Naturally, Thompson announced his return in a way only he can, sharing a clip of Michael Jordan and Bill Murray from the original "Space Jam" movie.
"How I'm pulling up to Chase (Center) tomorrow, Bill Murray is my spirit animal," Thompson wrote in the caption. "IM SO EXCITED TO SEE YALL DUBNATION ! LETS GET IT"
MORE: How good can Klay be after Achilles injury
The clip shows Murray coming in to spell the Tune Squad late in the movie, telling Jordan and the Looney Tunes that he could possibly "be of some assistance."
After Thompson's announcement, the Warriors made it official.
Five-time NBA All-Star and three-time NBA champion Klay Thompson will be available to play in tomorrow night’s game vs. Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/7c9NVBcTnK
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 8, 2022
With Thompson's return, the rich get richer as the Warriors are owners of the league's second-best record at 29-9 in his absence. Thompson's backcourt mate, Stephen Curry, has been playing at an MVP level, Draymond Green has put forth efforts worthy of Defensive Player of the Year consideration and other wings like Jordan Poole, Otto Porter Jr. and Andrew Wiggins have stepped up in his absence.
MORE: Does Thompson's return make Warriors the title favorite?
The Warriors' status as a legitimate title contender can allow them to ease Thompson into action after ramping up his participation in practices.
Golden State hosts Cleveland on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
Warriors schedule 2021-22
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | National TV |
| Jan. 9 | vs. Cavaliers | 8:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Jan. 11 | at Grizzlies | 8:00 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Jan. 13 | at Bucks | 7:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Jan. 14 | at Bulls | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan. 16 | at Timberwolves | 8:00 p.m. | – |
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.
