“We will always welcome him back.”
Stephen Curry’s Words Echo as Klay Thompson Returns to Chase Center in Emotional Christmas Clash
On Christmas Day 2025, the Chase Center in San Francisco was more than just a basketball arena—it was a stage for nostalgia, brotherhood, and unspoken loyalty. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks 126-116 in a hard-fought holiday matchup, but the real story transcended the scoreboard.
It was about Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, the legendary Splash Brothers, sharing the court once again, this time as opponents.
Curry, reflecting post-game on his former teammate’s return, delivered words that resonated deeply with Warriors fans: “We will always welcome him back.” Though the exact phrasing may vary in reports, the sentiment was clear—Klay Thompson, who spent 13 seasons building a dynasty in the Bay Area, remains family in the eyes of the franchise’s cornerstone.
The game itself carried emotional weight from the opening tip. Thompson, now in his second season with the Mavericks after a contentious departure in 2024, received a warm ovation when he entered in the first quarter.
The crowd’s cheers echoed the appreciation for his role in four NBA championships alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
Yet, on the court, it was business. The Warriors pulled away with balanced scoring—seven players in double figures, led by Curry’s 23 points. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg shone for Dallas with 27 points, but Thompson had a subdued night, finishing with just seven points on 3-of-8 shooting.
Struggling to find his rhythm against the team that once revolved around his shooting prowess, Thompson’s performance underscored the challenges of his new chapter in Dallas.
But the gestures spoke louder than stats.
si.comSteph Curry Wore 3 Different Shoes on Christmas Day
Before the game even started, Curry paid a subtle yet profound tribute. As a sneaker free agent following the end of his long-term deal with Under Armour, Curry laced up the ANTA KT 11 “Christmas” edition—Thompson’s own signature shoe.
The heel featured a molded tribute to Klay’s four rings: “Rings Rings Rings Rings…”. It was a quiet act of respect, one that didn’t go unnoticed.
Sneaker expert Nick DePaula highlighted the moment on social media: “Stephen Curry shows love to Klay Thompson on Christmas, lacing up the ANTA KT 11 as Klay returns to the Bay.” Curry later joked about it in his sarcastic style, but the intent was genuine—a nod to their shared history.
Steph is wearing Klay’s “Christmas” ANTA KT11s tonight to honor …
During pregame warmups, the two met at midcourt for a handshake and embrace, eliciting roars from the early-arriving crowd. It was a reminder of the countless games they dominated together, raining threes and dismantling defenses.
And then, as the final buzzer sounded, Klay responded in kind.
With the Warriors securing the win, Thompson crossed the court to find Curry. In a moment that sent Warriors fans into an emotional frenzy, Klay initiated a heartfelt hug—running over to embrace his longtime partner.
Photos captured the scene: two all-time great shooters, bound by more than a decade of triumphs, sharing a brotherly moment amid the confetti of competition.
It was just one move, but it encapsulated everything. No bitterness, no lingering resentment from Thompson’s exit—just mutual respect. Thompson also shared hugs with Draymond Green, completing a nostalgic reunion of the core trio that defined an era.
Curry later reflected on the sentimentality: “Very sentimental moment, for sure. Anytime we’re in the same space, Draymond included. So that was cool.” He spoke of the journey, how facing Thompson puts his own career in perspective as both approach the twilight years—Curry at 37, Thompson at 35.
For Thompson, the night was bittersweet. “It was great, really cool,” he said of Curry wearing his shoes. “I wish he didn’t get a win in them.” His quiet performance aside, the ovations and embraces affirmed his legacy in Golden State remains intact.
montereyherald.comGolden State Warriors: Klay Thompson returns in win vs. Mavericks
The Splash Brothers’ story began in 2011 when Thompson was drafted. Together, they revolutionized basketball with unprecedented 3-point volume and accuracy, leading to titles in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Their partnership produced iconic moments—Game 6 Klay in 2016, Curry’s unanimous MVP season, the 73-win campaign.
Thompson’s departure was acrimonious, rooted in contract disputes and differing visions for his role post-injury. Yet time, and moments like this Christmas game, heal. Curry’s footwear choice and post-game words signal the door is open—not just for nostalgia, but perhaps a future return, even if ceremonial.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr has echoed similar sentiments, and fans dream of Thompson retiring as a Warrior. As Curry put it, the bond endures.
In a league often defined by transactions and rivalries, this Christmas Day reminded us of something rarer: enduring brotherhood. Klay ran to hug Steph not out of obligation, but affection. And in that embrace, Dub Nation saw hope—that the Splash Brothers’ legacy isn’t confined to the past.
The Warriors improved to 16-15 with the win, while Dallas fell to 12-20. But numbers fade. What lingers is the image of two legends embracing, a gesture that sent the Chase Center—and Warriors fans worldwide—into a frenzy.
We will always welcome him back. Indeed.
