Klay Thompson Shines in Mavericks Debut: A Flawless Match!

Odd, wasn’t it?

On Thursday, Klay Thompson debuted in Dallas wearing a blue jersey, his stated favorite color, though it’s a hue not typically associated with him. After 13 years, six NBA Finals, and four titles with the Golden State Warriors, he’s left the familiar white-and-gold behind. In the Mavericks’ season opener, Thompson scored 22 points, contributing to a 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

“Mavs blue suits me well,” Thompson remarked.

In his first game with Dallas, Thompson excelled, sinking six three-pointers, grabbing seven rebounds, and making three steals. He ended the game with a plus-16, the highest among the starters, and played an integral part in a defensive effort that limited the Spurs—and their new star Victor Wembanyama—to 45.3% shooting from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd commented, “When new players join, it’s our task to make them feel at home quickly. It’s clear that Klay has settled in nicely and is enjoying his time here.”

Thompson acknowledged feeling anxious before the game. During the apex of the Warriors’ reign, he had never contemplated leaving. However, circumstances shifted. Two entire seasons were lost to injuries, and upon his return, while still proficient, he wasn’t the stellar player he once was. Frustrating negotiations over a contract extension with Golden State drained his enthusiasm for the game. It was time for a change, and Dallas was ready with a three-year, $50 million contract.

On Tuesday, Thompson proved his worth. Teaming up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, he integrated effortlessly. For years, Thompson had excelled alongside Stephen Curry, a top NBA scorer. Now in Dallas, he has two such teammates. Thompson found himself with ample space for his three-point attempts. In the fourth quarter, after receiving a pass from Doncic, Thompson even had time to dribble before shooting.

“Playing alongside someone like that makes your job easier,” Doncic said.

Splash Bros? pic.twitter.com/Z9SzUlA9rS

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) October 25, 2024

Following a disappointing five-game Finals loss to Boston, the Mavericks were in desperate need of a change. The team struggled to find a reliable third scorer during the series, and their perimeter shooting was lackluster. More seasoned players were needed, and Thompson was not just a desired addition; he was necessary.

If he was indeed Klay Thompson. Over the last two seasons with Golden State, Thompson posted solid numbers, though his efficiency had declined, and he was no longer a top defender. Last February, the Warriors even benched him in favor of rookie Brandin Podziemski. At 34, and still bearing the physical marks of surgeries on both legs, it was reasonable to question what Thompson could still contribute.

But as it turned out, he had plenty left, at least based on the opening game. Thompson acknowledged his need for a new beginning, and it seems he’s found it in the right place. His head coach has revived his career in Dallas, and his new teammate Irving, a former adversary during the Warriors-Cavaliers matchups, has similarly rejuvenated his own career here.

Thompson expressed, “It makes you grateful to be in the NBA.”

Concerns about the team’s size with Thompson potentially affecting their rebounding against taller teams like San Antonio were alleviated as the Mavericks held their own (a 52–50 Spurs advantage) and secured more offensive rebounds (17-12). There were doubts about how a not-so-strong defense from the previous season (18th in defensive efficiency) would cope with playing smaller. Though Thompson will never be the defender he was before his injuries, he moved fluidly on Thursday.

“Being a two-way player is probably my greatest joy,” Thompson stated. “The players I grew up idolizing were some of the best at that, whether it was Kobe [Bryant], Clyde Drexler. I grew up watching those guys play the two-guard at the highest level and I try to emulate that. And there’s so many ways to affect the game, even when my shot isn’t falling. I’m going to lean on that this season.”

Playing small, Thompson believes, won’t be an issue.

“Kyrie’s been an incredible defender,” Thompson said. “He has insane hands. You watch him handle the ball, same thing when he stabs at the ball and gets steals. He’s got some of the best hands I’ve ever seen. And Luka moves his feet and anticipates the offensive player very well. Just watching him tonight, I don’t think he gets as much credit on that end, but he is incredible on the boards and staying in front of the offensive player. I was very impressed with him.”

It’s one game—emphasis on one there—but Thompson has the look of a missing piece. Dallas knows what it will get from Doncic, an MVP frontrunner who arrived at training camp in terrific shape. Irving remains an offensive force. Dereck Lively II—Sports Illustrated’s preseason pick for Most Improved—racked up 15 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in the opener. Jaden Hardy, a third-year swingman, could have a breakout year.

“This team, the run they made last year, they didn’t fully peak till the most important time of the year,” Thompson said. “So hopefully every week just gets a little better and just gradual improvements. It’s not going to be perfect, but tonight was a good step in the right direction.”

San Antonio is a trendy pick to make a big jump this season, but the Mavs know the Spurs are not who they will be measured up against. It’s Oklahoma City, which battered Denver in its opener. It’s Minnesota, which will be formidable once Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo are fully integrated. Eventually, it will be Boston, which followed up an opening night drubbing of New York with a 20-point win over the Wizards.

“Tonight was a great start,” Thompson said. “But I’m not satisfied. We have really big goals.”