Dallas Mavericks fans were finally able to see Klay Thompson in his new uniform on Thursday night, as he participated in the team’s preseason game against the Utah Jazz.
Thompson didn’t play as much as he will during regular season games but he still did some good work with 10 points and 3 assists.
Following the game, Thompson spoke to the press, via Landon Thomas, and talked about his feelings before the game.
Thompson admitted he was very nervous prior to tip-off and said he hadn’t been that anxious since Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Finals.
Thompson added that this feels a lot like his rookie season and he is ready to make Mavericks fans proud.
Klay Thompson said he has been nervous for like four days for tonight, first game in a Mavs uniform.
Thompson said he hasn’t been this nervous since 2015 NBA Finals Game 1. He compared it to his rookie season. He said it felt awesome to play 18 minutes, get his legs under him. pic.twitter.com/9I4GBEGP3t
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) October 11, 2024
His performance on Thursday was impressive, especially since he went 3-of-5 from the three-point line.
It’s too soon to tell but Thompson looked like the vintage version of himself.
But, will it last or will Thompson experience the same problems he had last season?
In 2023-24, Thompson averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists for the Golden State Warriors.
His three-point shooting suffered during that season and he was sinking 38.7% of his shots from downtown.
However, a lot of factors were contributing to his rough patch.
For example, he was trying to work out an extension with the Warriors and that may have weighed heavily on him.
But he won’t have to worry about that in 2024-25 and Thompson can focus simply on playing his heart out.
There are still many questions about him, like how he will work alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
But Thursday’s game showed that Thompson can still shoot the ball well, which is very reassuring.
NEXT:
Mark Cuban Reveals Honest Reasons He Sold The Mavericks
