Klay compares the Mavericks’ preseason debut nerves to a first playoff game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Even after four NBA championships, Klay Thompson still gets nervous about a … preseason game?
After 13 years with the Warriors, the 34-year-old played his first game with his new team on Thursday night, suiting up for the Dallas Mavericks for the first time in a 107-102 preseason win over the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center. .
Speaking to reporters after the game, Thompson revealed that he was very nervous for his first game as a maverick after signing three-year, $50 million contract in the offseason.
“I haven’t been this nervous, I don’t think, since the 2015 Finals Game 1,” Thompson said. “It was so good to just go out there and play and get those frustrations out. It was a new experience, and it’s a natural feeling when you’ve been somewhere so long and to be somewhere new in a new environment. To finally put on the uniform, it felt amazing. “
Thompson scored 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting from the field and 3 of 5 from 3-point range in 18 minutes played.
“For him tonight, there’s a lot of positives,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said after the game. “He’s got great looks that we all think he’s capable of doing, but he’s never in a rush. He never forces anything. He’s probably turned down some shots that we’d encourage him to take, but we trust that he’s doing the right thing . a decision.”
Thompson will play a big role for Dallas this season, and with his initial preseason nerves out of the way, the five-time All-Star can continue preparing for the Mavericks’ regular season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 24 at. American Airlines Center.
And then on November 12, he returns to Chase Center for his first matchup against the military.
