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Tim MacMahon, ESPN editor
DALLAS — Butterflies fluttered Klay Thompsonabdomen for days earlier than Thursday night time’s preseason sport, his first NBA look that wasn’t in a Warriors of the Golden State uniform.
“I have never been this nervous, I do not assume, since Sport 1 of the 2015 Finals,” Thompson mentioned after scoring 10 factors in 18 first-half minutes within the Mavs’ 107-102 loss in opposition to the Utah Jazz. “It felt so good to go on the market and play and get these nervousness out of the best way. It was a brand new expertise, and it is a pure feeling once you’re in a spot for therefore lengthy and being in a brand new place in a brand new atmosphere. To lastly placed on the uniform, it was unimaginable.”
Thompson spent the primary 13 seasons of his profession with the Warriors, taking part in a significant position in 4 NBA championships as one half of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Stéphane Curry. However he opted to hitch Dallas as a free agent this summer time.
“I am simply excited for a brand new chapter,” mentioned Thompson, who was rested in the course of the Mavs’ preseason opener Monday night time. “It is going to be particular. I do know it.”
Thursday was Thompson’s first time carrying quantity 31 within the NBA, as his acquainted quantity 11 belongs to Kyrie Irving in Dallas. Thompson selected his new quantity in tribute to the Corridor of Fame shooter Reggie Millera childhood favourite that Thompson will probably go for fifth place on the all-time 3-point listing this season. However Thompson additionally appreciates its historic relevance to Dallas. It was final worn for the Mavs by Jason Terry, the 2009 Sixth Man of the Yr who was a key a part of Dallas’ 2006 Finals staff and 2011 championship staff.
Terry, who was on the guests’ bench Thursday night time as a Jazz assistant coach, mentioned he authorised of Thompson carrying his outdated quantity.
“The truth that he put the headscarf on too, I’m thrilled,” Terry, who wore a headscarf all through his taking part in profession, advised ESPN. “All the pieces I mentioned [to Thompson] That’s all he owes me, is to take a couple of pictures. That is it. Simply dial the suitable quantity, that is all. Take a couple of pictures. And he’ll. I feel he’ll play with quite a bit to show. Clearly, he is achieved nice issues, historic issues with Golden State, and he is trying to flip a web page and transfer on to a different chapter and go away a brand new mark in his legacy right here with Dallas. »
The American Airways Middle crowd roared when Thompson was launched with the Mavs’ beginning lineup. House followers needed to wait till the second quarter for his first bucket, as he missed his first three shot makes an attempt throughout his nine-minute stint within the first quarter, splitting two free throws.
On the primary possession of the second quarter, after Thompson mentioned his nerves had calmed throughout a short relaxation on the bench, he curled up on an off-ball display and launched a catch jumper -and-shoot from a bit to the suitable of the highest of the arc. He received a rebound shot, because the ball got here off the rim and kissed the glass earlier than going into the basket. It was considered one of three 3-pointers he made within the quarter.
“For him tonight, there are numerous positives,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd mentioned. “He has some nice appears to be like that all of us assume he is able to, however he by no means rushes. He by no means forces something. He is in all probability turned down some pictures that we might encourage him to take, however we We’re satisfied that he made the suitable determination.
Thompson mentioned he has some again ache however will likely be prepared for Monday night time’s preseason sport at Los Angeles Clippers.
Mavs Famous person Luka Doncicwho missed each preseason video games attributable to a left calf contusion, will likely be out Monday however may take part within the “costume rehearsal” for the preseason finale Oct. 17 in opposition to the Milwaukee Bucksin line with Kidd.
