SAN FRANCISCO -- As his name was introduced last in the starting lineup, Klay Thompson sat in his seat, stared ahead and soaked everything in.
This moment, including one of Chase Center's loudest roars ever, was 941 days in the making.
After a nearly 31-month layoff that stretched both his physical and mental limits, the beloved Golden State Warriors star guard made his long-awaited return to the floor and scored 17 points in 20 minutes in a 96-82 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The entire night was a Bay Area celebration of Klay Thompson, who was feted with a hero's welcome.