What Klay Thompson's return to the Bay really meant for him, the Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO – Klay Thompson left the Warriors with a whimper.

With a roar he returned to the bay.

Nothing less could be expected. Nothing less would have been appropriate.

Tuesday's game was circled on the calendar when the schedule was released, and not because it was the first game of the ongoing NBA tournament. No, this was an opportunity for a grateful organization and an adoring fan base to celebrate one of the greatest to ever wear Golden State, and to give thanks for four banners and countless memories.

Jerry Seinfeld once joked that sports were little more than cheering on laundry. It's a good joke, but of course sport is much more than that.

We all have a basic need for belonging, for community. It's built into our DNA. And sport can fulfill this need.

Countries and even families may be separated, but we can all come together under the banner of the local team to enjoy something as frivolous as a game.

And the athletes who demand our collective attention – the ones who give us something to cheer about – are unforgettable.

Even if he parted ways under less-than-ideal circumstances — a controversial season capped by an 0-for-10 performance in the Warriors' first postseason game, followed by a brief departure to Dallas in free agency — Thompson will be forever in this legend category remain around these parts.

That's why he was presented with a guard of honor by Dubs employees when he entered the building on Tuesday. For this reason, the entire arena happily wore the team's goal gift, a white captain's hat. That's why Thompson received a long, loud standing ovation before the game began and was cheered when he made two free throws to open the game.

“I was definitely a little misty-eyed,” Steve Kerr said.

“It was really cool to see the gratitude from the fans,” Thompson said. “This is something I will never take for granted.”