Klay Thompson Sets Franchise Record In Dallas Mavericks’ Debut

The Dallas Mavericks couldn’t have scripted Klay Thompson’s debut any better. His first regular season appearance with the team came with plenty of anticipation and high expectations, and he didn’t disappoint.

Thompson thrilled the home crowd on Thursday night, knocking down shot after shot in a 120-109 win over the in-state rival San Antonio Spurs. The four-time NBA Champion looked comfortable on the floor as he settled in with his new team.

“Well, the feelings were a lot of nerves, anxiousness, but after few minutes and you see one [shot] go through, you feel great. Great debut,” Thompson said. “It’s only one game in October, but it feels good just to get the first one out the way. Setting a record is always a great feeling and something I’ll never take for granted.”

Thompson set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a Mavericks debut, knocking down six. Justin Holiday and Antoine Walker were tied for the previous record of five made 3-pointers, hitting those marks in 2023 and 2003, respectively.

Thompson finished the game with 22 points on 7-13 shooting, seven rebounds, an assist and three steals in 26 minutes. This was his first game with at least six made 3-pointers and three steals since the 2018-19 season.

“The bar is high. He’s a future Hall of Famer,” Mavericks Head coach Jason Kidd said. “I’ve got to see the night where he’s perfect from the floor. I’m just kidding.”

Kidd may be joking, but it’s conceivable for Thompson to have a night where he doesn’t miss playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His new teammates found him multiple times for wide-open as they drew the attention of the Spurs’ defense.

Thompson knows it will take time to develop chemistry with his two new star teammates, but he’s focused more on the big picture. Doncic isn’t worried about Thompson fitting in and sees it as a mutually beneficial experience for him and the team.

“I mean, it’s easy to play with a guy like that,” Doncic said. “You know, it makes your life easier. You got to find them. That’s what I’m saying. It makes my life and Kai’s easier—makes the whole team’s life easier. It’s a lot of space. So, it’s great.”

If his first game is a glimpse of things to come, the defending Western Conference Champions look like an improved team with the addition of Thompson. He and the team have high aspirations, and while they can be content with a win, it’s only one part of a larger objective.

“Tonight was a great start, but I’m not satisfied,” Thompson said. “I mean, we have so much basketball ahead and from the experience I’ve gained, you can never be too high throughout the regular season. And we have really big goals. So, one good win at home is not going to satisfy any of us. We want to be really, really good this year and get back to where they were at last year.”