How Klay made Mavericks history in a triumphant debut against the Spurs originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Klay Thompson’s first post-Warrior match was a smash hit.
The four-time NBA champion scored 22 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 6 of 10 from 3-point range in his Mavericks debut, helping Dallas beat the San Antonio Spurs 120-109 on Thursday night at American Airlines Center.
Those six 3-pointers are the most by a player making his Mavericks debut.
Thompson’s desire to join the mavericks was motivated, in large part, by the presence of superstar forward Luka Dončić. And during Dallas’ win, the two future Hall of Famers created several viral moments.
While Steph Curry has his patented look-away 3-pointer, Thompson and Doncic put their own twist on it, with the 25-year-old Slovenian turning and running back down court while the five-time All-Star lined up and drained. 3-pointer to extend the Mavericks’ fourth quarter lead.
“Luka makes the game easier, not just for me, but for everybody in this arena,” Thompson told TNT’s Allie LaForce after the game. “The gravity he requires. His passing ability is the best. And I’m here to help him try to be one of the greatest. We know it’s his team. The show goes through him but it takes the whole squad to reach the destination where you want to go.
Thompson, who finished with seven rebounds, three steals, one assist and was a plus-16, was pleased with his triumphant Maverick debut.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better start, just sharing the floor [Kyrie Irving]Luka and the rest of the guys,” Thompson told LaForce. “Very special after a hard month of really good work and to see it come to fruition is amazing. It’s just a small step for where we want to go, but something we can build on.”
After 11 years and nine on-field seasons with the Warriors, seeing Thompson in a different uniform was an adjustment for everyone involved. But the 34-year-old is enjoying his new surroundings.
“I feel great,” Thompson told LaForce. “Blue is my favorite color and Mavs blue looks good on me. So I’m having a great time. Off to Phoenix we go. But wow, just incredible. It was good to get this one out and play well. . Not satisfied, but I’m happy with what we did tonight.”
Even as Thompson tries to distance himself from the warriors, he can never go too far. A fan got him to sign his old Golden State jersey after Dallas’ season-opening win.
Thompson has a few more weeks to get comfortable in Dallas before the Mavericks travel to the Bay Area for their much anticipated first match against his old team the nov. 12.
