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Klay Thompson returns to Golden State for the NBA Cup game. Here's how to watch

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The good times don't last forever. Not even in difficult times.

But you always carry the memories with you.

Even though Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson tries to put on a stoic face about his return Tuesday night in an NBA Cup game against Golden State for the first time since leaving the Warriors last summer, “for me, it is just another regular season game in November – the emotions will overcome him as soon as he arrives at the arena.

Too much has happened for Thompson and with the Warriors. Four NBA championships. The injuries at the end of the season. The Splash Brothers. The game-changing 3-pointer. The friendships.

And it will be difficult for Thompson to view it as “just another regular-season game in November” when he sees 18,000 fans wearing captain's hats with the Warriors logo, a nod to the days when Thompson took his boat to the Training and driving to games.

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Deep down, Thompson, the son of former NBA player Mychal Thompson, knows it's a special moment, admitting, “You can only do one thing so many times in your life.”

The Warriors selected Thompson No. 11 in 2011, and he spent 13 seasons with the franchise, helping Golden State to titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022. He was a five-time All-Star and a two-time All-Star NBA selection and a one-time All-Defense selection.

Alongside Steph Curry, Thompson helped change the game with his 3-point shooting, and the Warriors built a dynasty that included Draymond Green, Kevin Durant and coach Steve Kerr.

However, the farewell was necessary – so that Thompson could have a fresh start and the franchise could chart a new course around Curry.

Here's how to watch the Mavs guard Klay Thompson's return to Golden State

Tuesday's Mavericks-Warriors game at Chase Center will be broadcast on TNT at 10 p.m. ET.

How is Klay Thompson doing with the Dallas Mavericks?

In 10 games, Thompson is averaging 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 41.8% from the field and 35.4% on 3-pointers in 30.1 minutes per game. The 5-5 Mavs, who lost to Boston in the NBA Finals last season, brought in Thompson to bolster their 3-point shooting.

He scored a season-high 22 points in the first game of the season, made six 3s and set a franchise record for 3s made in his debut.

Thompson was 15 of 33 on 3s in his first three games with Dallas, but just 14 of 49 in his next seven games.

What are the highlights of Klay Thompson's Golden State?

During his time with the Warriors, he averaged 19.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists and shot 45.3% from the field and 41.2% on three-pointers.

Thompson made 2,481 3s for the Warriors, which is No. 2 on the franchise's all-time list behind Curry. He's the No. 6 all-time 3-pointer and just 51 points away from passing Reggie Miller for No. 5.

He averaged 22.3 points in the 2016-17 season and made a career-high 4.4 3s per game in the 2022-23 season.

In a game against the New York Knicks on January 8, 2019, Thompson scored 43 points on just four dribbles. He was 18 of 29 from the field and 7 of 16 on 3s.

On October 29, 2018, Thompson set an NBA single-game record with 14 3-pointers and finished the game with 52 points against the Chicago Bulls.

Thompson scored a career-high 60 points against Indiana on December 5, 2016 – and did not play in the fourth quarter.

Thompson set another NBA record with 37 points in one quarter against Sacramento on January 23, 2015. He was 13 of 13 from the field in the third quarter, including 9 of 9 on 3s.

Follow Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt

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