NBA All-Star guard and longtime Golden State Warrior, Klay Thompson, is officially a Dallas Maverick.
Thompson played in his first game as a Maverick on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, and the nerves were at an all-time high for the five-time All-Star.
Thompson told the media that the butterflies were in full effect as he suited up for the Mavericks for the first time in his career.
Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up prior to a pre-season game against the Memphis Grizzlies at American Airlines Center on October 7, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Dallas Mavericks star guard Klay Thompson admits that he felt nervous before his first preseason game as a Maverick.
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
“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.”
Thompson played in 18 minutes and started in his Dallas debut. The 34-year-old scored 10 points, three assists, and shot 3-for-9 from the field and was 3-for-5 from three.
After 13 years with one team, Thompson is now in unfamiliar territory. However, he is excited about the next chapter in his life and is feeling the love from the Dallas fans.
“It feels great to be embraced by the fan base,” said Thompson. “It inspires me every day to work my hardest and be the best I can be. I know I made the right decision, especially with what I’ve felt tonight and the past few weeks with the team.”
“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.”
Not only is Thompson with a new team, but he is rocking a new number, No. 31. Thompson spent the first 13 years of his career with the Warriors, where he panned out a Hall of Fame career. In those 13 years, he won four NBA titles, was named a five-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA, and was a part of the 2019 All-Defensive Second Team.
Now, the page has flipped for Thompson and the Warriors. Dallas is excited to have Thompson on their side, along with former Mavericks champion guard Jason Terry.
Terry said he loves how Thompson wore the headband for his debut, just as he did throughout his career.
“The fact that he got the headband on, too, I’m elated,” Terry said. “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.”
More news: Warriors to Host 2025 All-Star Festivities at Oakland Arena
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