The much-anticipated debut of Klay Thompson with the Dallas Mavericks lived up to the hype as the sharpshooting guard scored 22 points in a 120-109 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Thompson, who joined the Mavs in free agency after 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, wasted no time making his mark, draining six three-pointers to set a franchise record for most threes in a debut.
Despite missing the entire preseason due to a calf injury, superstar Luka Doncic picked up right where he left off last season, stuffing the stat sheet with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. While Doncic described himself as “rusty,” his chemistry with Thompson was evident from the start, as he assisted on four of Thompson’s seven made baskets.
A New Era in Dallas
The addition of Thompson to an already potent Mavericks lineup has many analysts predicting big things for the franchise this season. The combination of Doncic’s playmaking and Thompson’s elite shooting could prove to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.
It’s easy to play with a guy like that. It makes your life easier. You got to find him.
– Luka Doncic on playing with Klay Thompson
For Thompson, the chance to play alongside a generational talent like Doncic was a major factor in his decision to sign with Dallas. “What an incredible talent,” Thompson said of his new teammate. “It doesn’t make any sense, because what we’re taught growing up as far as being the best basketball player is you got to jump the highest, you got to run the fastest, but somehow Luka defies that.”
Spurs Show Promise in Defeat
While the night belonged to the Mavericks, the young Spurs showed flashes of potential in the loss. Third-year guard Devin Vassell led the way with 24 points, showcasing an improved offensive game that could make him a breakout candidate this season.
The Spurs are in the midst of a rebuild after trading away cornerstones DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge in recent years. With a roster full of promising young talent, head coach Gregg Popovich will look to develop his squad and lay the foundation for the next great Spurs team.
Just the Beginning
While it’s important not to overreact to one game, especially on opening night, the Mavericks’ impressive performance against the Spurs serves as a warning shot to the rest of the league. With Doncic and Thompson leading the charge, and a supporting cast featuring the likes of Christian Wood and Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas has the talent to compete with anyone in the loaded Western Conference.
For Thompson, who has made a career out of coming up big in the brightest moments, the chance to help the Mavericks chase a championship is the ultimate opportunity. “It’s only one game in October, but it feels good just to get that first one out of the way,” he said after the win. “Just a ton of excitement, really just an awesome feeling.”
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dallas to see if they can live up to the lofty expectations that come with adding a player of Thompson’s caliber to an already formidable roster. If opening night was any indication, the Mavericks are poised to make some serious noise in the Western Conference this year.
