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Klay: 'No point in missing anything' about time with Warriors

Bart Young / National Basketball Association / Getty

Dallas Mavericks wing Klay Thompson is set to return to San Francisco on Tuesday to take on the Golden State Warriors, his former team of 11 seasons, but he says it's "just another regular-season game."

"That chapter is over," Thompson told Andscape's Marc J. Spears. "I'm in the midst of trying to win here. There is no point in missing anything when we have such a great opportunity here to be great. There's no point in looking back; I got to look forward. I got to try to give my best self here."

Golden State has a planned tribute for Thompson, calling the game "Salute Captain Klay" night. All fans in attendance will be receiving a white captain's hat in a nod to Thompson's routine of boating across the San Francisco Bay to Chase Center before games.

"I'm looking forward to it," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. "I think we all are. It will be very emotional. I know our fans are geared up for it and can't wait to see Klay."

The Warriors drafted Thompson 11th overall in 2011. He won four NBA championships and was a five-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA selection during his time in the Bay Area. Thompson sits sixth in Warriors history in points (15,531) and second in threes behind Stephen Curry with 2,481.

The 34-year-old inked a three-year, $50-million deal with the Mavericks in the offseason.

Thompson says he has "not really" been in contact with his former running mates and that he'll "see them when I see them."

He's averaging 13.8 points on the season, his lowest scoring output since his rookie campaign. He's also shooting a career-worst 41.8% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.

"It's a long season, and you have to peak at the right time. You have to keep going, keep your emotions, and stay the course ... We have a chance to be special," Thompson said.

The Mavericks have started the season 5-5, while the Warriors are tied for second in the West at 8-2. The matchup will be an NBA Cup game, the first for each team this season.

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