The NBA plotlines for 2021-22 continue to emerge from the ongoing Covid epidemic, with Stephen Curry shattering the all-time three-point record and Zion Williamson’s foot injury. However, we have yet to witness the greatest one: Klay Thompson’s return.
For over two seasons, the sport has simply missed one of its most beloved players.
Thompson, 31, missed the entire 2019-20 season due to a damaged anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee before being sidelined for the full 2020-21 season after rupturing his right achilles.
Robbed of two of his peak years, the Golden State Warriors shooting guard is now on the verge of returning to the court, which will benefit not only his team but also the NBA as a whole.
June 14, 2019. For everyone linked with the Warriors, this anniversary is terrible for two reasons. First and foremost, they were defeated 110-114 at home by the Toronto Raptors in Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals, resulting in their title loss. Second, it marks the beginning of Thompson’s injury nightmare.
With Golden State leading 83-80 in the third quarter, they forced a turnover as Toronto attempted to cut the gap to one with a two-pointer or tie with a three-pointer. Curry, who had the ball just inside his own paint, launched a swift counterattack by feeding the red-hot Thompson for a seemingly simple lay-up or dunk.
Thompson went for the latter with two hands, but as he climbed to the rim, Raptors guard Danny Green fouled him hard across the shoulders.
Off-balance, the Warriors’ No. 11 was unable to plant both feet on the floor, instead landing awkwardly to his left.
The reality of what had transpired became obvious immediately. Thompson immediately grasped his left knee as he writhed in pain.
There were two minutes and 22 seconds remaining on the clock, but time stood still inside the Oracle Arena as Thompson’s anxieties intensified.
Everyone inside the Oracle, which was once a rowdy and deafening environment, went silent.
Three days earlier, in Canada, teammate Kevin Durant ruptured his right achilles in the second quarter of the Warriors’ 106-105 victory in Game 5.
Seeing another terrible injury to a critical component of their juggernaut was heartbreaking for everyone concerned. Curry, in particular, was devastated by his fellow ‘Splash Brother’s’ fall as he sat immobile at the opposite end of the court, contemplating on what had happened to his teammate and buddy.
According to NBA regulations, if you are unable to take a free throw after being fouled and it is not a flagrant foul, you may not return to the field of play. Thompson hobbled back onto the floor to take his free throws, and the Oracle, which now resembled a library, came to life.