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Klay Thompson's emotional return to Bay Area becomes a tribute to fierce competition between friends

Related Topics: Klay Thompson, Draymond Green

SAN FRANCISCO — This was going to be no ordinary night, because Klay Thompson was no ordinary player, not with these Golden State Warriors.

He pounded his hand over his heart more than a few times, probably to calm himself following a tribute video and standing ovation that chronicled his run with the franchise — the championships, the moments, the playful exuberance that was the lifeblood of a dynasty.

Before that Thompson was greeted by some 400 team and arena employees upon entering Chase Center in his return to the Bay Area, wearing “Captain Klay” boat hats that paid tribute to the shooting guard often taking the scenic route to games on his boat.