Klay Thompson's return: Warriors star to make season debut vs. Cavaliers

Gilbert McGregor

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Klay Thompson's return: Warriors star to make season debut vs. Cavaliers image

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.

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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.

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. –

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.