After tearing his ACL, then tearing his Achilles tendon, Klay has not played in an NBA basketball game in over two-and-a-half calendar years.
Jokic reached 20 points for the seventh straight game as Denver got reinforcements back from health and safety protocols.
Bobby Portis scored 20 of his 25 points in the first half to help the Milwaukee Bucks snap a two-game skid vs the Nets.
Monk scored 21 points in the first half while hitting eight of his first nine shots in his latest impressive performance for the Lakers.
If Kawhi and George are healthy and the Clippers are intact around them, you could make a strong case for their championship run.
Randle added 22 points for the Knicks, Quickley had 16, and Barrett 13. The Knicks didn't lead until there were just over two minutes left.
Chris Paul continues to look 26 years old instead of 36, doing a little of everything to keep the Suns among the league's elite.
Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points. Kuminga scored 13 and Damion Lee added 12 for the Warriors, which dropped its second straight.
With the Lakers' most important games coming later in the season, not only heightens the drama but also avoids conflict with the NFL season.
Klay Thompson missed two full seasons due to a torn ACL and a ruptured Achilles tendon as he is set to make his return this Christmas.