Klay Thompson's return wasn't perfect – but it had everything Golden State Warriors fans had hoped for.
The Warriors icon scored 17 points, made a few threes, and even had a monster dunk that quelled any fears about his athleticism being sapped after two years on the sidelines.
One element missing, however, was his longtime running mate Draymond Green. The Warriors talisman did start the contest, but played just seven seconds as he was immediately subbed out. Draymond had reportedly been a late scratch
Late scratch (essentially): Draymond Green. Left calf tightness. Will be out there for tip to honor Klay Thompson and then sit.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 10, 2022
After the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr spoke out on the injury that left Draymond Green “devastated”.
Via Ohm Youngmisuk:
Steve Kerr said Draymond's injury “was out of the blue” and that the Warriors were not going to risk playing him. “He was devastated,” Kerr said. “He was looking forward to this as much as anyone.” Kerr said they hatched late plan to allow Draymond to start game for Klay return.
According to Warriors reporter Anthony Slater, Kerr said that Draymond felt a “twinge” in his calf during warmups. Given just how long the Warriors waited on Klay Thompson's injury, they're the last team that's going to risk injury to one of their stars.
While there's no official news on the severity of the injury, Steve Kerr remained hopeful that it would just be something short-term.
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