Basketball

I haven’t been that nervous – Klay Thompson after making Mavericks debut

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.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024