Klay Thompson had a debut to remember for the Dallas Mavericks, setting a franchise record in the first game of the new season.
The 34-year-old scored 22 points in a 120-109 win against the San Antonio Spurs.
Thompson was impressive on his Mavericks debutGetty
Eighteen of his 22 points came from three-point shots, which is a record for a Mavericks player on their debut.
Thompson arrived in Dallas last summer, after 13 successful years with the Golden State Warriors.
In San Francisco, he was a four-time NBA Champion and a five-time NBA All-Star who formed half of the iconic “Splash Brothers” duo with Stephen Curry.
His move to the Mavericks was seen by some a as a signal that he was past his best, but if his debut is anything to go by, Thompson is far from done.
He was 7-of-13 from the floor and 6-of-10 from three-point range, and contributed further by grabbing seven rebounds and three steals.
In his first game, Thompson gave Dallas a glimpse of what they were hoping to see, and earned high praise from superstar teammate Luka Doncic.
“He was great, man,” Doncic said.
“Just knocking down a lot of shots and he was moving out there. He played great defense, too.
“It’s easy to play with a guy like that. It makes your life easier. You got to find him.”
Doncic provided a few highlight moments of his own, including an absurd behind-the-back assist to P.J. Washington that some fans have already described as the “pass of the year”.
He put up 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in total, but described himself as “rusty” after missing the preseason because of a calf problem.
Thompson, meanwhile, was far more complimentary about Doncic’s performance post-game.
“What an incredible talent,” he said.
“I mean, it doesn’t make any sense, because what we’re taught growing up as far as being the best basketball player is you got to jump the highest, you got to run the fastest, but somehow Luka defies that.
“He plays at his own speed and manipulates the game as good as I’ve ever seen anyone do it. And it’s great to be a recipient of that and get great looks.”
Doncic and Thompson praised each other’s games after the win against the SpursGetty
The Splash Bros might have been separated this season, but it seems like Thompson is already forming an exciting new partnership in Dallas.
