Klay Thompson, one of the premier shooting guards in NBA history, faced a long and arduous journey back from two of the most devastating injuries a basketball player can endure. After tearing his ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals, Thompson spent over a year rehabilitating, only to suffer a torn Achilles tendon in November 2020. These consecutive setbacks forced him to miss two full seasons, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he would ever return to his All-Star form.
In This Article
- The Injury Timeline
- Recovery and Rehabilitation
- The Comeback Game
- Adjusting to Game Speed
- Impact on the Golden State Warriors
- Statistical Performance After Return
- Legacy and Significance
The Injury Timeline
Thompson’s first major setback occurred on June 13, 2019, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. He landed awkwardly after a dunk attempt and suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee. The injury required surgery and forced him to miss the entire 2019-20 season. While working his way back, Thompson suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in November 2020, a devastating blow that sidelined him for yet another full season. The consecutive nature of the injuries raised doubts about his ability to return to elite form. After 941 days away from competitive basketball, Thompson was finally cleared to play and made his return on January 9, 2022.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Thompson’s recovery was a testament to his mental and physical resilience. Throughout the process, he leaned on the Warriors’ medical staff, his family, and teammates. Despite being unable to play, he remained a constant presence on the bench, traveling with the team and providing vocal support. The Warriors carefully managed his rehabilitation, gradually increasing intensity to avoid setbacks. Thompson himself maintained a disciplined routine, often arriving hours before practice to work on his conditioning while still in a protective boot. His unwavering attitude inspired everyone in the organization and laid the foundation for a successful return.
The Comeback Game
On January 9, 2022, the Golden State Warriors hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers at Chase Center. The night belonged to Thompson. As he was introduced in the starting lineup, the crowd gave him a prolonged standing ovation that visibly moved him. He finished with 17 points in 20 minutes, hitting three three‑pointers and showing the same smooth shooting stroke that defined his career. Teammates and opponents alike congratulated him, and the game served as the official start of the second act of his career. Coach Steve Kerr said afterward that the energy in the building was unlike anything he had experienced in years.
Adjusting to Game Speed
In the weeks following his return, Thompson was on a strict minutes restriction. He did not play in back‑to‑back games and often sat out the second night of road trips. Despite these limitations, his impact was immediate. He brought floor spacing, defensive awareness, and a calm veteran presence. By February, his minutes had climbed into the 30s, and he began to look more like the Klay of old. The coaching staff praised his willingness to adapt and his focus on team success over individual stats.
Impact on the Golden State Warriors
Thompson’s return transformed the Warriors from a very good team into a championship contender. His ability to stretch the floor alongside Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole opened up driving lanes and made the offense nearly impossible to guard. Defensively, his length and instincts helped the Warriors rank among the best defensive teams in the league. The team finished the 2021‑22 regular season with a 53‑29 record, and Thompson was an integral part of their playoff run. The Warriors went on to defeat the Boston Celtics in six games to win the 2022 NBA Championship, cementing the legacy of the core trio of Curry, Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Statistical Performance After Return
During the 2021‑22 regular season, Thompson played 32 games, averaging 20.4 points per game while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc. In the playoffs, he raised his scoring to 19.0 points per game with a similar deep‑ball percentage. The following season (2022‑23), Thompson played a full 69 games and posted career‑high numbers in three‑pointers made (301), averaging 21.9 points per game on 41.2% three‑point shooting. These numbers silenced any remaining doubts about his ability to regain his shot after such severe injuries.
Legacy and Significance
Thompson’s comeback is now part of NBA folklore. Overcoming an ACL and an Achilles in succession—injuries that have historically ended many careers—showed extraordinary determination. He became a symbol of resilience for athletes in all sports. His return allowed the Warriors to capture one more championship and proved that hard work and patience can triumph over the most challenging circumstances. For fans of basketball, Klay Thompson’s comeback date will forever be remembered as a day when a superstar refused to stay down.