By ESPN staff | ESPN, 2025-10-22 09:29:00
由生成式人工智能翻译，译文内容可能不准确或不完整，以原文为准。
周一晚上，布拉德·马尔尚 (Brad Marchand) 在被波士顿棕熊队交易至佛罗里达美洲豹队后，首次重返TD花园球馆比赛。
这位棕熊队的前任队长和功勋老将于2025年3月被交易至佛罗里达，并在当赛季晚些时候帮助美洲豹队蝉联斯坦利杯冠军。
当波士顿主场通过大屏幕播放致敬视频，向马尔尚在棕熊队效力的多年时光致敬时，他不出所料地情绪激动。
以下，我们来回顾一下其他体育项目中那些令人难忘的球星温情回归时刻。
NBA
卢卡·东契奇 (Luka Doncic)，2025年
本场数据： 45分、6次助攻、8个篮板
比赛结果： 洛杉矶湖人队 112-97 获胜
2025年初，在一笔NBA历史上最引人注目的交易之一中，东契奇从达拉斯转投洛杉矶。此前，这位后卫已为独行侠队效力了6个半赛季，带领球队闯入2024年NBA总决赛，并五次入选NBA最佳阵容一阵。在独行侠期间，他场均贡献28.6分、8.6个篮板和8.2次助攻。
独行侠队在美航中心球馆的每个座位上都放置了一件T恤，以表达对东契奇的爱。
美航中心T恤上的文字翻译：感谢你所做的一切 pic.twitter.com/huWEdSdXJY
— 蒂姆·麦克马洪 (Tim MacMahon) (@ espn_macmahon) 2025年4月9日
在球员介绍环节，独行侠队为东契奇播放了致敬视频，并将他作为湖人队首发球员中的最后一位介绍出场。球迷们报以雷鸣般的掌声，而东契奇则在替补席上观看视频，情绪激动，不住地擦拭眼泪。
卢卡回归达拉斯，全场温情满溢
在他身披湖人战袍登场前，独行侠队用一段致敬视频向他致敬
pic.twitter.com/462QhwjDRC
— ESPN (@ espn) 2025年4月9日
观看独行侠致敬视频后，卢卡擦拭着泪水
pic.twitter.com/9tYtzdW3A0
— ESPN (@ espn) 2025年4月9日
亲述心声： “看完那个视频后，我心想，‘这比赛我根本没法打了’，”东契奇说。“情绪太复杂了。”
德阿隆·福克斯 (De’Aaron Fox)，2025年
本场数据： 16分、8次助攻、4个篮板
比赛结果： 萨克拉门托国王队 127-109 获胜
福克斯在2017年被国王队选中，并在萨克拉门托度过了职业生涯的前七年半。他离开时在队史得分榜上排名第四，并保持着队史单场得分纪录。
这位后卫在黄金一号中心受到了热烈欢迎，包括在上半场播放了一段致敬视频，并引发现场观众的起立鼓掌。
国王队球迷向德阿隆·福克斯表达爱意
pic.twitter.com/QbTl4PaKse
— NBA (@ NBA) 2025年3月8日
亲述心声 ：“当你更换球队后，总有一天会与前东家交手。我觉得这次经历很棒。我不会说自己当时特别激动。但（致敬环节）非常棒。我在这里待了很长时间，将近十年。所以，我真的很感激。”
德玛尔·德罗赞 (DeMar DeRozan)，2025年
本场数据： 21分、3次助攻
比赛结果： 国王队 124-119 获胜
一月份，德罗赞重返联合中心，对阵他的老东家芝加哥公牛队。
德罗赞在芝加哥效力了三个赛季，场均得到25.5分、5.1次助攻和4.7个篮板，并连续两年入选全明星。国王队在七月份通过一笔先签后换的交易得到了这位后卫。
欢迎回到联合中心，Deebo
pic.twitter.com/aTTJJfQN81
— 芝加哥公牛 (@ chicagobulls) 2025年1月12日
亲述心声： “从我来到这里的第一刻起，我就努力为这支球队、这座城市倾尽所有，我想这一切都有目共睹，”德罗赞赛后说道。“我真心实意地付出一切来代表公牛队。当我来到这里时，我认为这表明了我已经融入了芝加哥的文化和一切。所以，当人们看到这些时，我想你会得到真诚的回应。”
卡尔-安东尼·唐斯 (Karl-Anthony Towns)，2024年
本场数据： 32分、20个篮板、6次助攻
比赛结果： 纽约尼克斯队 133-107 获胜
12月，唐斯重返明尼苏达，对阵他的老东家森林狼队。
这位尼克斯队的中锋在九月份训练营开始前几天被森林狼队交易。作为2015年的状元秀，他在明尼苏达度过了九个赛季。在森林狼队效力期间，唐斯四次入选全明星，两次入选NBA最佳阵容。比赛开始前几小时，他在社交媒体上发布了一段感谢视频。
赛前，森林狼队的球迷也用一段感人肺腑的致敬视频和热烈的掌声回报了他。
KAT 回到明尼苏达了！
他得到了球员和球迷们发自内心的欢迎
尼克斯对阵森林狼 TNT直播 pic.twitter.com/k9fw0jbw42
— NBA (@ NBA) 2024年12月20日
这位篮下巨擘，这位七尺长人，这位肯塔基野猫，这位32号…
欢迎回来，KAT
pic.twitter.com/9LhRbLmoo7
— 明尼苏达森林狼 (@ Timberwolves) 2024年12月20日
亲述心声： “太多回忆，太多瞬间涌上心头。我很荣幸能与这么多优秀的球员和篮球运动员并肩作战，能够见证他们经历各自的旅程和人生，并在他们的职业生涯中留下印记，这是一种荣耀。我曾将明尼苏达视作家园，一个张开双臂欢迎我的地方，它给了我、我的家人，尤其是我母亲，一生中最美好的回忆。”
克莱·汤普森 (Klay Thompson)，2024年
本场数据： 22分、4个篮板、3次助攻
比赛结果 ：达拉斯独行侠队 117-120 告负
11月，汤普森重返湾区，在大通中心对阵他的前东家金州勇士队。
这场比赛被命名为“致敬船长克莱之夜”，整个晚上勇士队都向汤普森表达了浓浓的爱意。其中最精彩的环节是，在他作为达拉斯首发五虎之一被介绍出场前，现场播放了一段致敬视频，球迷们也纷纷脱帽致敬。
发自：#勇士国度
致：克莱·汤普森谢谢你 pic.twitter.com/udTamwW4FJ
— 金州勇士 (@ warriors) 2024年11月13日
亲述心声： “我非常感谢球迷们。船长帽这个点子真的很棒，因为我是一个狂热的航海爱好者。在人群中看到了很多熟悉的面孔，那是一种非常暖心的感觉。看到球迷们，看到他们对我的感激之情，真的很酷——这是我永远不会视作理所当然的。所以，这真的非常、非常棒。”
达米安·利拉德 (Damian Lillard)，2024年
本场数据： 25分、7次助攻、6个篮板、1次抢断
比赛结果： 密尔沃基雄鹿队 116-119 告负
在为开拓者队效力了职业生涯的前11年后，利拉德于2024年1月作为密尔沃基雄鹿队的一员首次在波特兰比赛。
当他的名字在摩达中心的首发阵容中被念出时，球迷们为他起立鼓掌。主队还在第一次暂停后播放了致敬视频，再次为利拉德赢得了全场欢呼。
欢迎回来，D.O.L.L.A. pic.twitter.com/37G9lW5YbH
— 波特兰开拓者 (@ trailblazers) 2024年2月1日
亲述心声： “像这样充满意义和情感的比赛总是很有趣。这些比赛总是更有激情。今晚就是这样。这是一场激动人心的比赛。”
拉塞尔·威斯布鲁克 (Russell Westbrook)，2020年
本场数据： 34分、5次助攻、2个篮板
比赛结果： 休斯顿火箭队 94-113 告负
威斯布鲁克在重返俄克拉荷马城的首场比赛中看起来就像在主场一样。他在与雷霆队的比赛中砍下全场最高的34分，但球队最终失利。
雷霆队的球迷用一段致敬视频欢迎威斯布鲁克，并在介绍他出场后高呼“MVP”。他承认作为对手的感觉很不一样，但感谢了球迷们的款待。
亲述心声： “有些事情是无法用言语表达的。我在这里待了这么久，有太多美好的回忆，遇到了太多优秀的人。这里的球迷绝对是世界上最棒的，因为他们总是倾尽全力支持，今晚他们也是如此。”
勒布朗·詹姆斯 (LeBron James)，2018年
本场数据： 32分、14个篮板、7次助攻、1次盖帽
比赛结果： 洛杉矶湖人队 109-105 获胜
八年前，詹姆斯身披迈阿密热火队战袍重返克利夫兰时，迎接他的是漫天嘘声。而这一次，当他作为湖人队一员首次面对克利夫兰骑士队时，经历却截然不同。
在球员介绍环节，当他的名字最后一个被喊出时，全场爆发出震耳欲聋的欢呼声，一段致敬视频也让詹姆斯情绪激动。他向球馆的四个方向都表示了感谢。
亲述心声： “我感激这些球迷，就像他们感激我一样。……所以，那是我对他们的致意，感谢他们认可我在那四年里与队友和教练们共同取得的成就。”
迈克尔·乔丹 (Michael Jordan)，2002年
本场数据： 16分、12个篮板、4次助攻、2次抢断、2次盖帽
比赛结果： 华盛顿奇才队 77-69 获胜
在第二次从芝加哥公牛队退役三个赛季后，乔丹于2001年重返NBA，并与奇才队签约。他重返芝加哥的首场比赛也伴随着一个感人的致敬仪式。
乔丹在那场比赛中手感不佳，21投仅7中，还出现了9次失误，但奇才队最终获胜。他承认在昔日主场球迷面前打球是一种挑战。
亲述心声： “在对阵芝加哥时，我打得很艰难。某种意义上，这就像在和亲人比赛。比赛强度没那么高，你也没有那么大的动力。”
NFL
汤姆·布雷迪 (Tom Brady)，2021年
本场数据： 43传22中，推进269码，0次达阵，0次被拦截
比赛结果： 坦帕湾海盗队 19-17 获胜
布雷迪首次对阵新英格兰爱国者队，赛前他受到了球迷的欢呼，但在比赛期间则遭到了嘘声。他带领海盗队取得了一场险胜，在比赛还剩1分57秒时，他率队推进并命中一记48码的任意球，帮助球队取得领先。
赛后，布雷迪回顾了这个情绪化的夜晚。
亲述心声： “我并没有预料到会发生什么。有几个瞬间我确实很激动，想到了那些在我生命中意义重大的人。我的橄榄球之旅将我带到了别处。”
佩顿·曼宁 (Peyton Manning)，2013年
本场数据： 49传29中，推进386码，3次达阵，1次被拦截
比赛结果： 丹佛野马队 33-39 告负
在NFL历史上最受期待的回归之一中，曼宁在2013赛季第七周于卢卡斯石油体育场对阵印第安纳波利斯小马队。
小马队为曼宁播放了一段90秒的致敬视频，曼宁则摘下头盔向观众挥手致意，场面十分感人。安德鲁·拉克 (Andrew Luck) 率领小马队取胜，让野马队遭遇了赛季首败，也让曼宁的回归之夜留下了遗憾。
亲述心声： “希望我们有机会再和他们交手，因为那将意味着我们进入了季后赛。我想如果还有下一次，情况可能会容易一些，因为这一周情绪起伏很大，可能会有点筋疲力尽。”
埃米特·史密斯 (Emmitt Smith)，2003年
本场数据： 6次冲球，码数为-1码
比赛结果： 亚利桑那红雀队 7-24 告负
这位前达拉斯牛仔队的明星球员作为红雀队的一员重返达拉斯，但过程平淡无奇。他6次冲球，码数为-1码，并在第二节因伤离场。当时，这是他职业生涯中唯一一场以负码数结束的比赛。
从史密斯踏上球场的那一刻起，球迷们就为他欢呼。
亲述心声： “我第一次坐着大巴进入德州体育场。坐的是客队大巴。下车后，我走进客队更衣室，看到了我的红雀队队服。我环顾四周，感觉格格不入。……我大声说出了这句话：‘我不应该在这里。这不是我的房间。’在那场比赛开始前，我崩溃了，哭了整整45分钟。”
MLB
大谷翔平 (Shohei Ohtani)，2024年
本场数据： 4打数1安打，2次得分，1分打点
比赛结果： 洛杉矶道奇队 6-2 获胜
这位道奇队巨星在天使队效力了六个赛季，赢得了两座MVP奖杯和两座银棒奖。他于2023年与道奇队签约。
大谷翔平在本场比赛首次上场打击前获得了全场起立鼓掌。天使队也在社交媒体X上发布了一段致敬视频。他的回归之日，恰好是他为天使队效力的最后一场比赛的一周年纪念日。
大谷翔平在他为天使队效力的最后一场比赛整整一年后，重返天使体育场
— MLB (@ MLB) 2024年9月4日
亲述心声： “这一切最重要的部分是能够在这座球场，在阿纳海姆的球迷面前打球。这对我来说是特别的。……最重要的是，比赛要赢，我很高兴我们赢了。”
穆奇·贝茨 (Mookie Betts)，2023年
本场数据： 4打数1安打，2次得分，1次保送
比赛结果： 洛杉矶道奇队 7-4 获胜
在被交易至道奇队后首次重返波士顿对阵红袜队的比赛中，贝茨在首次上场打击前获得了全场起立鼓掌。
赛后他表达了自己的感激之情。
亲述心声： “我不太记得当时的感觉了。我知道我有点发抖。但我只有感激。感谢我得到了欢呼。……也庆幸我们赢了比赛。”
弗雷迪·弗里曼 (Freddie Freeman)，2022年
本场数据： 3打数1安打，2次得分，2次保送
比赛结果： 道奇队 4-1 获胜
可能没有比弗里曼首次客场对阵亚特兰大勇士队更情绪化的回归了。他在勇士队度过了12年，于2020年赢得MVP，并在为球队效力的最后一个赛季赢得了世界大赛冠军。
弗里曼在第一局和第五局均获得保送上垒，并两次得分。他获得了两次全场起立鼓掌——一次在赛前，一次在他首次上场打击时——并领取了他的2021年世界大赛冠军戒指。他还在赛前新闻发布会上流下了眼泪，但赛后心情不错。
亲述心声： “我筋疲力尽，情绪上筋疲力尽，但对我的家人来说，这是一个多么美妙的夜晚。”
诺马尔·加西亚帕拉 (Nomar Garciaparra)，2009年
本场数据： 4打数2安打，1分打点
比赛结果： 奥克兰运动家队 6-0 获胜
在红袜队于2004年交易走加西亚帕拉五年后，他动情地回到了芬威公园。同年，红袜队赢得了世界大赛冠军。
在波士顿效力了8个半赛季的加西亚帕拉，在首次上场打击前受到了全场起立鼓掌的欢迎。他脱帽致意并轻拍胸口作为回应。
亲述心声： “你不知道事情会如何发展。那没有剧本。我想你在场上看到的就是纯粹的情感，来自球迷，也来自我自己。”
NHL
帕特里克·凯恩 (Patrick Kane)，2023年
本场数据： 2分（1个进球和1次助攻）
比赛结果： 底特律红翼队 3-2 获胜
凯恩在加入红翼队后首次重返芝加哥，在联合中心上演了一场难忘的回归之战。
凯恩曾随芝加哥黑鹰队三次赢得斯坦利杯。他在队史得分（1225分）和助攻（779次）榜上均排名第二，在出场次数（1161场）和进球数（446个）上排名第三。
这位红翼队的明星球员在加时赛中打进制胜球，击败了这支他效力了16个赛季的球队。
在克里斯·切利奥斯 (Chris Chelios) 的球衣退役仪式上，以及第一节的致敬视频播放期间，这位右边锋都获得了全场起立鼓掌。
联合中心沸腾了： pic.twitter.com/yBgytyf8ln
— 芝加哥黑鹰 (@ NHLBlackhawks) 2024年2月25日
为“Showtime”绕场三周
— 芝加哥黑鹰 (@ NHLBlackhawks) 2024年2月25日
亲述心声 ：“现在情绪很复杂，打进了那个球，回到这里，却身处一支不同的球队。我只是想在最后向球迷们表明，我的心永远属于这里。”
马修·特卡丘克 (Matthew Tkachuk)，2022年
本场数据： 0分，2分钟受罚，上场时间21分50秒
比赛结果： 佛罗里达美洲豹队 2-6 告负
在为卡尔加里火焰队效力了六个赛季后，特卡丘克决定在2022年夏天不再与球队续约，并被交易至美洲豹队。
在火焰队效力期间，特卡丘克深受球迷喜爱（也因为他通过交易让俱乐部得到了回报），当他首次身穿不同队服回到Saddledome球馆时，现场播放了致敬视频，他也收获了全场起立鼓掌，尽管也夹杂着一些嘘声。
亲述心声： “这里的球迷充满激情。看到那段视频当然很高兴。短短几秒钟展示了我在场上和场下的时光，看到这些感觉很棒。”
马克-安德烈·弗勒里 (Marc-Andre Fleury)，2018年
本场数据： 38次射门，扑救33次
比赛结果： 维加斯黄金骑士队 4-5 告负
黄金骑士队的扩军选秀为他们打造了一支在首个赛季就闯入斯坦利杯决赛（并于2023年夺冠）的球队奠定了基础。其中一个关键组成部分——也是球队早期的门面人物——就是门将弗勒里。
但在成为黄金骑士队的一员之前，这位未来的冰球名人堂成员已经在匹兹堡企鹅队效力了13个赛季，书写了传奇的职业生涯。他首次重返匹兹堡的比赛充满了情感，但当晚获胜的是主队。
亲述心声： “我不知道该期待什么。热身时，我起了鸡皮疙瘩。这是一个我不会忘记的夜晚。”
杰罗姆·伊金拉 (Jarome Iginla)，2013年
本场数据： 0分，4次射门，上场时间21分36秒
比赛结果： 波士顿棕熊队 2-1 获胜
当20世纪跨入21世纪时，或许没有哪位球员比伊金拉更能代表卡尔加里火焰队。这位冰球名人堂成员为该球队效力了16个赛季，之后先后为企鹅队、棕熊队、科罗拉多雪崩队和洛杉矶国王队效力，直至职业生涯结束。
2013年12月10日，伊金拉作为棕熊队的一员回归，并受到了盛大的赛前庆祝仪式的致敬。
客场作战的棕熊队获胜，伊金拉被评为本场第三星，再次引来卡尔加里忠实球迷的起立鼓掌。
亲述心声： “这绝对是激动人心的。那是一种很酷的感觉。感觉很特别，一开始的欢呼，然后你站在那里会觉得有点奇妙。”
WNBA
布里安娜·斯图尔特 (Breanna Stewart)，2023年
本场数据： 25分、11个篮板、1次助攻、2次抢断、2次盖帽
比赛结果： 纽约自由人队 86-78 获胜
在2023年离开西雅图风暴队加盟自由人队之前，斯图尔特在风暴队效力的六个赛季中赢得了两次WNBA总冠军。她在重返西雅图的比赛中表现出色，带领纽约队取得了胜利。
整场比赛，球迷们都表达了他们的感激之情。斯图尔特承认，“情绪如过山车般的一天”影响了她的发挥。
亲述心声： “我努力克服情绪打球，但上半场我告诉（教练）桑迪·布朗德洛 (Sandy Brondello)，我感觉自己整个人都是飘的。我觉得我当时除了……不确定自己在做什么之外，什么都没做。”
坎迪斯·帕克 (Candace Parker)，2022年
本场数据： 10分、14个篮板、10次助攻、2次盖帽、1次抢断
比赛结果： 芝加哥天空队 82-59 获胜
在将整个13年的WNBA生涯都奉献给洛杉矶火花队之后，帕克回到了家乡，与天空队签约。
她在洛杉矶对阵火花队的首场比赛中创造了历史，拿下了职业生涯的第三次三双，创下了WNBA纪录。在球员介绍环节，她获得了热烈的欢呼。
亲述心声： “这里是家。我的家人住在这里。我喜欢回到这里。能回来确实是苦乐参半，因为这是我们过去的一部分。”
点击查看原文：Brad Marchand's emotional return to Boston leads ″welcome back″ moments
Brad Marchand’s emotional return to Boston leads “welcome back” moments
On Monday night Brad Marchand played at TD Garden for the first time since being traded to the Florida Panthers by the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins captain and longtime stalwart was dealt to Florida in March 2025, where he’d help the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups later in the season.
Unsurprisingly Marchand was emotional as Boston paid homage to his many years with the Bruins in the form of a jumbotron tribute video.
Here’s a look at other notable happy returns for stars across multiple sports.
NBA
Luka Doncic, 2025
Game stats: 45 points, 6 assists, 8 rebounds
Game results: Los Angeles Lakers win 112-97
One of the most remarkable trades in NBA history sent Doncic from Dallas to Los Angeles in early 2025, after the guard had spent 6½ seasons with the Mavericks, leading the franchise to the 2024 NBA Finals and earning five All-NBA first-team selections. He averaged 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks placed T-shirts on every seat at American Airlines Center to show love for Doncic.
Translation on T-shirts at American Airlines Center: Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/huWEdSdXJY
— Tim MacMahon (@ espn_macmahon) April 9, 2025
Doncic received a video tribute during player introductions and was introduced last among Lakers starters. Fans gave him a resounding ovation as Doncic watched on the bench and was emotional, wiping away tears.
ALL THE FEELS FOR LUKA’S RETURN TO DALLAS
The Mavs honored Luka with a tribute video before he took the court with the Lakers
— ESPN (@ espn) April 9, 2025
Luka wiping tears after watching Mavs tribute video
— ESPN (@ espn) April 9, 2025
In his own words: “After that video, I was, like, ‘There’s no way I’m playing this game,’” Doncic said. “It was so many emotions.”
De’Aaron Fox, 2025
Game stats: 16 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds
Game results: Sacramento Kings win 127-109
Fox was drafted by the Kings in 2017 and spent the first seven and a half years of his career in Sacramento. He finished his tenure fourth on the franchise points leaderboard and holds the franchise record for points scored in a single game.
The guard received a warm welcome at the Golden 1 Center, including a first-half tribute video that resulted in a standing ovation.
Kings crowd showing love to De’Aaron Fox
— NBA (@ NBA) March 8, 2025
In his own words: When you change teams, at some point you’re going to play the [former] team. I think it was good. I wouldn’t really say I got emotional. But [the tribute] was great. I was here for so long, almost a decade. So, I really do appreciate it."
DeMar DeRozan, 2025
Game stats: 21 points, 3 assists
Game results: Kings win 124-119
DeRozan made a January return to the United Center to face his old team, the Chicago Bulls.
DeRozan spent three seasons with Chicago, averaging 25.5 points, 5.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds while earning consecutive All-Star honors. The Kings acquired the guard in July in a sign-and-trade deal.
Welcome back to the United Center, Deebo
— Chicago Bulls (@ chicagobulls) January 12, 2025
In his own words: “The first moment I came here I tried to give my all to this organization, to the city and I think it showed,” DeRozan said after the game. “Genuinely putting everything into representing the Bulls. When I came here, I just think it showed I invited the culture of Chicago, everything. So it showed, I think when people see that, you get the genuine reaction in return.”
Karl-Anthony Towns, 2024
Game stats: 32 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists
Game results: New York Knicks win 133-107
Towns made his return to Minnesota to face his old team, the Timberwolves, in December.
The Knicks center was dealt by the Timberwolves days before training camp in September. Drafted No. 1 in 2015, he spent nine seasons with Minnesota. Towns earned four All-Star Game appearances and two All-NBA honors during his tenure with the Timberwolves. He posted a thank you video on social media hours before the game.
Before the contest, the Timberwolves crowd returned the favor with a rousing ovation during a heartfelt video tribute.
KAT is BACK in Minnesota!
He got a heartfelt reception from players and fans
— NBA (@ NBA) December 20, 2024
the post with the most, the seven foot, Kentucky Wildcat, number 32…
welcome back, KAT
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@ Timberwolves) December 20, 2024
In his own words: “Just a lot of memories, moments. I’ve been honored to play with so many amazing guys and basketball players, and to be able to see them go through their own journeys and their lives and just to have a moment in their lives professionally, it’s an honor. I called Minnesota home, a place that welcomed me with open arms and gave me, my family, especially my mother, some of the best memories of my life.”
Klay Thompson, 2024
Game stats: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Game results: Dallas Mavericks lose 120-117
Thompson returned to the Bay Area in November to face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, at Chase Arena.
Dubbed “Salute Captain Klay” night, the Warriors showered Thompson with love throughout the evening, highlighted by a video tribute that aired before his name was announced in the Dallas starting five and fans tipped their caps in respect.
From: #DubNation
To: Klay ThompsonTHANK YOU pic.twitter.com/udTamwW4FJ
— Golden State Warriors (@ warriors) November 13, 2024
In his words: “I appreciate the fans very much. The captain’s hat ended up being a great touch because I’m such a passionate boater. Saw a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and that was a warmhearted feeling. It was really cool to see the fans, their gratitude towards myself – and something I’ll never take for granted. So it was very, very awesome.”
Damian Lillard, 2024
Game stats: 25 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal
Game result: Milwaukee Bucks lose 119-116
After spending the first 11 years of his career with the Trail Blazers, Lillard played his first game in Portland as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in January 2024.
Fans gave him a standing ovation when his name was announced in the starting lineups at the Moda Center. The home team also played a video tribute after the first timeout, leading to another ovation for Lillard.
Welcome back, D.O.L.L.A. pic.twitter.com/37G9lW5YbH
— Portland Trail Blazers (@ trailblazers) February 1, 2024
In his words: “These types of games where there’s a lot of meaning and a lot of emotion – these are always fun. These games have a little bit more juice in them. That’s what tonight was. It was an entertaining game.”
Russell Westbrook, 2020
Game stats: 34 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds
Game result: Houston Rockets lose 113-94
Westbrook looked at home in his first game back in Oklahoma City. He had a game-high 34 points in a loss to the Thunder.
The Thunder crowd welcomed Westbrook with a tribute video and chanted “MVP” after he was announced. He acknowledged how different it was to be on the opposing side but thanked the fans for their reception.
In his words: “Some things you can’t put into words. I’ve been here for so long and so many great memories, great people. The absolute best fans in the world because they come with it, and tonight they came with it.”
LeBron James, 2018
Game stats: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block
Game result: Los Angeles Lakers win 109-105
Eight years after a raucous return to Cleveland while playing for the Miami Heat, James had a completely different experience when he faced the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time as a member of the Lakers.
The crowd roared when his name was called last during player introductions, and a tribute video left James emotional. He thanked each side of the arena.
In his words: “I appreciate these fans, just as much as they appreciate me. … So that was just my salute to them for them appreciating what I was able to accomplish with my teammates and coaches along those four years.”
Michael Jordan, 2002
Game stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Game result: Washington Wizards win 77-69
Three seasons after his second retirement from the Chicago Bulls, Jordan made his return to the NBA in 2001, signing with the Wizards. His first game back in Chicago included an emotional tribute.
Jordan struggled from the field on 7-of-21 shooting and had nine turnovers in the Wizards win. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in front of his former home crowd.
In his words: “I had a tough time playing against Chicago. It’s like playing a relative, in a sense. It’s not as intense, you’re not quite as motivated.”
NFL
Tom Brady, 2021
Game stats: 22-of-43 passing, 269 yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
Game result: Tampa Bay Buccaneers win 19-17
Playing against the New England Patriots for the first time, Brady was welcomed back with cheers before fans booed him during the game. He led the Buccaneers to a tight victory, driving them downfield for a 48-yard field goal with 1:57 left to take the lead.
Brady reflected on the emotional night postgame.
In his words: “It’s not that I would predict what would happen. There were a few emotional moments thinking about the people that meant so much in my life. My football journey took me somewhere else.”
Peyton Manning, 2013
Game stats: 29-of-49 passing, 386 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
Game result: Denver Broncos lose 39-33
In one of the most anticipated returns in NFL history, Manning faced the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 7 of the 2013 season.
The Colts played a 90-second tribute video for Manning, who responded by taking off his helmet and waving to the crowd in an emotional moment. Andrew Luck led the Colts to a win, giving the Broncos their first loss of the season – and spoiling Manning’s return.
In his words: “Hopefully we’ll have a chance to play these guys again because that would mean we made the playoffs. I think if there is a next time it may be a little bit easier just because it was somewhat of an emotional week and it can be a little bit draining.”
Emmitt Smith, 2003
Game stats: 6 carries, -1 yards
Game result: Arizona Cardinals lose 24-7
The former Dallas Cowboys star returned to Dallas in an uneventful way as a member of the Cardinals. He had six carries for minus-1 yards and left the game with an injury in the second quarter. At the time, it was the only game of his career that he finished with negative rushing yards.
Fans cheered for Smith the second he stepped on the field.
In his words: “First time I went into Texas Stadium in a bus. On a visiting bus. Got off the bus, walked into the visitors locker room, saw my Cardinals uniform. And I looked around. I felt out of place. … I said this out loud: ‘I’m not supposed to be here. This is not my room.’ I broke down in tears and cried for 45 minutes before we played that game.”
MLB
Shohei Ohtani, 2024
Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI
Game results: Los Angeles Dodgers win 6-2
The Dodgers star spent six seasons with the Angels, winning two MVP awards and two Silver Sluggers. He signed with the Dodgers in 2023.
Ohtani received a standing ovation before his first at-bat of the game. The Angels also posted a tribute video on X. His return came exactly one year since the final game he played for the Angels.
Shohei Ohtani returns to Angel Stadium exactly one year after his final game played with the Angels
— MLB (@ MLB) September 4, 2024
In his own words: “The biggest part of all this is being able to play at this stadium in front of the Anaheim fans. That was the part that was special for me. … Most importantly, it’s about winning the game, and I’m glad we won.”
Mookie Betts, 2023
Game stats: 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 walk
Game result: Los Angeles Dodgers win 7-4
In his first game back to face the Boston Red Sox since being traded to the Dodgers, Betts received a standing ovation before his first at-bat.
He offered his appreciation after the game.
In his words: “I don’t really remember what I was feeling. I know I was kind of shaking a little bit. But I’m just thankful. Thankful I got the ovation. … Thankful we won.”
Freddie Freeman, 2022
Game stats: 1-for-3, 2 runs, 2 walks
Game result: Dodgers win 4-1
There may not have been a more emotional return than when Freeman faced the Atlanta Braves for the first time on the road. He spent 12 years with the Braves, winning an MVP in 2020 and a World Series in his final season with the team.
Freeman walked in the first and fifth innings, scoring both times. He received two standing ovations – one before the game and his first at-bat – plus his 2021 World Series ring. He also teared up during a pregame news conference but had positive thoughts after the game.
In his words: “I’m exhausted, emotionally exhausted, but what a wonderful evening for my family.”
Nomar Garciaparra, 2009
Game stats: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
Game result: Oakland Athletics win 6-0
An emotional return to Fenway Park came five years after the Red Sox traded Garciaparra in 2004, the same year they went on to win the World Series.
Garciaparra, who spent 8½ seasons in Boston, was welcomed with a standing ovation before his first at-bat. He tipped his helmet and tapped his chest in response.
In his words: “You don’t know how things are going to play out. There’s no script for that one. I think what you saw out there was just pure emotion, from the fans, from myself.”
NHL
Patrick Kane, 2023
Game stats: 2 points (1 goal and assist)
Game result: Detroit Red Wings win 3-2
Kane had a memorable return to the United Center in his first game in Chicago since joining the Red Wings.
Kane won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks. He is second in franchise history in points (1,225) and assists (779) and third in games played (1,161) and goals (446).
The Red Wings star scored the winning overtime goal, beating the franchise where he spent his first 16 seasons in the NHL.
The right winger received a standing ovation during the jersey retirement of Chris Chelios as well as a video tribute in the first period.
And the United Center roars: pic.twitter.com/yBgytyf8ln
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
Three laps for Showtime
— Chicago Blackhawks (@ NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
In his words: “Just a lot of emotions right now, scoring that goal, being back here, being on a different team. Just tried to show the fans there at the end they’ll always have my heart here.”
Matthew Tkachuk, 2022
Game stats: 0 points, 2 penalty minutes, 21:50 ice time
Game result: Florida Panthers lose 6-2
After playing six seasons with the Calgary Flames, Tkachuk decided that he wouldn’t be signing a contract extension with them during the summer of 2022 and was traded to the Panthers.
A fan favorite during his time with the Flames (and for the way he let the club get something in return for him via trade), Tkachuk was the subject of a tribute video and standing ovation when he made his first trip back to the Saddledome wearing a different sweater, though he did endure some boos too.
In his words: “Just passionate fans here. It’s obviously nice to see that video. A couple seconds of showing what my time was like here on and off the ice, it was nice to see.”
Marc-Andre Fleury, 2018
Game stats: 33 saves on 38 shots
Game result: Vegas Golden Knights lose 5-4
The expansion draft for the Golden Knights allowed them to build the foundation for a team that made the Stanley Cup Final in its first season (and would win the Cup in 2023). One of the key components – and the early face of the franchise – was goaltender Fleury.
But before he was a Golden Knight, the future Hockey Hall of Famer had already authored a legendary career in 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. His first game back in Pittsburgh generated emotions, but it was the home team who won that night.
In his words: “I didn’t know what to expect. In the warmup, I had goose bumps. It’s a night I won’t forget.”
Jarome Iginla, 2013
Game stats: 0 points, 4 shots on goal, 21:36 ice time
Game result: Boston Bruins win 2-1
Perhaps no player is more synonymous with Calgary Flames hockey as the 20th century flipped to the 21st than Iginla. The Hockey Hall of Famer played 16 seasons for the franchise, prior to skating for the Penguins, Bruins, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings to close out his career.
On Dec. 10, 2013, Iggy returned as a member of the Bruins and was honored with an extensive pregame celebration.
The visiting Bruins won, and Iginla was named the third star, resulting in another standing ovation from the Calgary faithful.
In his own words: “It was definitely emotional. It was a cool feeling. It felt special, the ovation there at the start, and then you kind of feel funny standing out there.”
WNBA
Breanna Stewart, 2023
Game stats: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 blocks
Game result: New York Liberty win 86-78
Stewart won two WNBA titles in six seasons with the Seattle Storm before she left the franchise for the Liberty in 2023. She had a strong return to Seattle, leading New York to the win.
Fans shared their appreciation throughout the game. Stewart acknowledged that the “emotional roller coaster of a day” had an impact on her play.
In her words: “I was trying to play through it, but I was telling [coach] Sandy [Brondello] in the first half, I was just floating. I don’t think I was really doing anything except just like – not sure what I was doing.”
Candace Parker, 2022
Game stats: 10 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Game result: Chicago Sky win 82-59
After spending her entire 13-year WNBA career with the Los Angeles Sparks, Parker went home, signing with the Sky.
She made history in her first game against the Sparks in Los Angeles, recording a WNBA record third career triple-double. She received a loud cheer during the introductions.
In her words: “This is home. This is where my family lives. This is where I love coming back to. It’s definitely bittersweet to be back because it is a part of our past.”
By ESPN staff | ESPN, via ESPN