Klay Thompson admitted he was nervous before making his Dallas Mavericks debut against Utah Jazz on Thursday. Thompson, who joined the Mavericks on a 3-year, $50M deal after spending 13 years with the Golden State Warriors, scored 10 points in 18 minutes.
“I haven’t been that nervous, I don’t think, since the 2015 Finals Game 1,” Thompson said. “It felt so good just to go out there and play and work those jitters 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 the uniform on, it felt amazing.”
The Mavericks suffered a 107-102 loss against the Jazz. Meanwhile, Thompson played a key role in Warriors’ four championships and made a potent alliance with Steph Curry. The 34-year-old said he is looking forward to a new chapter in his career.
“I’m just excited to experience a new chapter,” said Thompson, who rested during the Mavs’ preseason opener Monday night. “It’s going to be special. I just know it.”
Meanwhile, Thompson wore jersey number 31, the same number Jason Terry donned for the Mavericks. Terry played a key part in Dallas’ 2006 Finals team and 2011 championship squad.
“The fact that he got the headband on, too, I’m elated,” Terry, who wore a headband throughout his playing career, told ESPN. “All I said [to Thompson] is all he owes me is to make some shots. That’s it. Do the number right, that’s it. Make some shots. And he’ll do it. I think he’s going to play with a lot to prove. Obviously he did some great things, historical things with Golden State, and he’s looking to turn a page and go to another chapter and make another mark on his legacy here with Dallas.”
Head coach Jason Kidd also showered praise on Thompson for never rushing into his plays.
“For him tonight, there’s a lot of positives,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “He has some great looks that we all think that he’s capable of making, but he just never rushes. He never forces anything. He probably turned down some shots that we would encourage for him to take, but we trust that he’s making the right decision.”
The previous season’s runners-up will begin their NBA 2024-25 campaign against the San Antonio Spurs at the American Airlines Center on 24th October.
