The controversial game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors surely was a nail-biter. It ended with the Warriors winning by two points, however; the Mavericks are going to file a formal protest due to an error on the side of the officials. Although the game ended with much controversy, Warriors star Klay Thompson ended up winning over fans on the internet even before the game started. His tribute to a former NFL star has gone viral and for the right reasons.

Klay Thompson had an interesting choice of clothing for his game against the Dallas Mavericks. Before fans assumed that it was a dig at the Mavericks, Klay?s reason to wear a Dallas Cowboys jersey had a much deeper meaning to it.

The tragedy surrounding Gavin Escobar

31-year-old former NFL player Gavin Escobar lost his life last year in September. The father of two died in a rock-climbing accident along with a fellow rock climber in California. A rescue attempt was held for the two at Tahquitz Rock in the area of Idyllwild, but the tragedy had already struck.

When the firefighters reached the two, they had already lost their lives. Drafted by the Cowboys in 2013, Escobar went on to play in Dallas for 4 years, before bouncing around on various teams, trying to find a place to call home. Thompson and Escobar shared a close bond.

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The Golden State Warriors tweeted, “Klay arrived at tonight’s game in Dallas repping the number 89 in honor of his friend Gavin Escobar. Gavin played four seasons as Tight End for the Cowboys during his NFL career. A native of Klay’s hometown of Rancho Santa Margarita, he tragically passed away last fall.”

Klay Thompson commemorates his late friend

The five-time All-Star chose to wear a number 89 jersey of the Dallas Cowboys. A jersey donned by former Dallas Cowboys tight end and his late friend, Gavin Escobar.

Fans were left teary-eyed seeing Thompson honor his late friend like this. One fan tweeted, ?Got damn it, I just gained a little respect for one of the guys I hate the most in the league. Why he have to do this.?

While another fan commented, ?Klay ?F-ing? Thompson is a man of honor, respect and humility. Despise the cowboys? but live Klay?s thoughtfulness.?

Even the official account of the Santa Margarita Catholic High School tweeted, ?Always praying for Gavin and his family. Forever in our hearts.?

Here are a few more reactions from fans on Twitter.

Almost everyone respected Thompson?s actions, despite the outcome of the game against the Mavericks. It was certainly a?beautiful gesture by the four-time NBA champion.

Read More – 31-Year-Old Former Dallas Cowboys Tight End, Gavin Escobar, Tragically Passes Away in a Climbing Accident

What are your thoughts on Thompson’s gesture? Let us know in the comments.