Thompson returns to Golden State as his shooting improves

Thompson’s return to Chase Center will bring him back to the franchise where he won four NBA titles and made more than 2,500 three-pointers. He spent 13 years with Golden State before moving on after the sides differed over his pay and role. The split was not described as a personal rupture, and Stephen Curry has said he misses his former teammate.

The reunion will be Thompson’s fifth visit to the arena and his eighth game against the Warriors since leaving. He said he was eager to see familiar faces, including staff members and arena workers, and added that he wanted to beat his former teammates. Coach Steve Kerr said seeing Thompson in another uniform still felt unusual, though less so than during the first visits.

Thompson appears to be finding his range ahead of the matchup. He made just 12 of his first 37 attempts from beyond the arc this season, then hit 11 of 19 over his last two games. He scored 19 points in Miami’s loss in Los Angeles on Monday. The Heat have lost five of their first seven games, and Thompson has started all seven, averaging 11.9 points in 21.9 minutes.

Andrew Wiggins, another former Warriors starter now with Miami, will also return. He is averaging 10.3 points and shooting 29.4% on three-pointers, while Thompson has averaged 11.2 points in his past five matchups with Golden State. After Thursday’s game, Miami plans to remain in San Francisco for two days before traveling to Sacramento to play the Kings on Sunday.