01-09-22 KLAY DAY

The hype was monumental and the electricity was real.

After 941 days away from the game, Klay Thompson made his triumphant return to the court Sunday night.

It was his first ever game at the Chase Center, and the fans gave him the warmest welcome, showing up early to cheer him on during warmups and roaring after all of his many makes.

The intro — seeing him sitting there so poised and serene — was a boatload of sunshine to all who have missed him so.

The first basket of the game for the Dubs? Klay Thompson, but of course! Much to everyone’s delight.

He drove right down the lane and got a running floater to go. He was aggressive, confident and stayed looking for his shot. The same ole Klay we’ve come to know and love.

The play of the game? A Klay Thompson power dunk! He drove downhill at Lamar Stevens, rising up and hammering it home, putting Stevens and Markkanen on a poster and putting the league on notice: Klay Thompson is BACK!

He snarled. He smiled. He scored 17 points in 20 minutes (four 5-minute stints) with 18 shots, three made 3-pointers and a block in a Warriors 96-82 win over the Cavs.

In the immediate on-court post-game interview with Dennis Scott, Klay said, “I’m just grateful to be doing what I love again. The last two years have given me a sense of gratefulness.”

And when 3D asked him how he slept last night?

“Just Live, the product I invested in, that’s how I slept! It’s a melatonin-type CBD,” Klay said with a laugh.

Sweet fancy, Moses. It is SO wonderful to have him back.

Without a single doubt, we can all sleep well knowing that the NBA is now in a better place.