Klay Thompson sets a franchise record in Dallas Mavericks debut

The Dallas Mavericks couldn't have scripted Klay Thompson's debut better. His first regular season appearance with the team came with great anticipation and high expectations, and he did not disappoint.

Thompson thrilled the home crowd on Thursday night by knocking down shot after shot in a 120-109 win against in-state rivals the San Antonio Spurs. The four-time NBA champion was comfortable on the court as he settled into his new team.

“Well, the feelings were a lot of nerves and anxiety, but after a few minutes and seeing a (shot) go through, you feel great. Great debut,” said Thompson. “It's only one game in October but it feels good to have the first game behind us. Setting a record is always a great feeling and something I will never take for granted.”

Thompson set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in his Mavericks debut, hitting six. Justin Holiday and Antoine Walker tied for the previous record of five 3-pointers made, reaching that mark in 2023 and 2003, respectively.

Thompson finished the game with 22 points on 7-13 shooting, seven rebounds, one 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 have to see the night when he is perfect from the floor. I'm just kidding.”

Kidd may be joking, but it's conceivable that Thompson has a night where he doesn't miss playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. His new teammates crossed paths with him on multiple occasions to draw the attention of the Spurs defense.

Thompson knows it will take time to develop chemistry between his two new star teammates, but he's more focused on the bigger picture. Doncic isn't worried about Thompson being included 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 have to find her. That's what I'm saying. It makes my life and Kai's life easier – makes the life of the entire team easier. There'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 appear to be an improved team with Thompson. He and the team have big ambitions and while they can be happy with a win, it is only part of a larger goal.

“Tonight was a great start, but I’m not happy,” Thompson said. “I mean, we have so much basketball ahead of us and with the experience I've had, you can never get too high in the regular season. And we have really big goals. So a nice home win won't satisfy any of us. We want to be really, really good this year and get back to where we were last year.”