Klay Thompson's Debut

Klay Thompson made a stunning entrance for the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, folding the game box score into a paper airplane during a postgame news conference, a quirky ritual he adopted during his celebrated 13-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors. With a grin, he launched the paper craft across the room, proudly exclaiming, "Oh, look at that! It's like an F-16."

Thompson's debut was nothing short of impressive, scoring 22 points in just 26 minutes during the Mavericks’ season opener, leading to a 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. His shooting was electric; he went 7-of-13 overall and lit it up from beyond the arc, hitting 6-of-10 from three-point range—a new record for three-pointers made in a Mavericks debut. He also contributed significantly on defense, recording seven rebounds and three steals.

Luka Doncic's Performance

"He's great, man," praised Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic. "He knocked down so many shots and played solid defense." Despite battling what he labeled as "rustiness" from a calf injury that sidelined him through the preseason, Doncic delivered a commendable performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, although he struggled with his shooting, hitting just 9-of-25 from the field.

Combining Forces

The pairing of Thompson and Doncic marked a new chapter for both players, as it was their first official game together outside of informal matches. Their connection was palpable, as Doncic assisted on four of Thompson's shots, showcasing the classic synergy of a playmaker and a sharpshooter.

"It's easy to play with a guy like that," Doncic noted with a smile. "He makes your life easier. You have to find him."

Thompson echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his excitement to join the Mavericks specifically to play alongside Doncic. "What an incredible talent," Thompson marveled. "Luka plays at his own speed and manipulates the game as well as anyone I've ever seen." Their chemistry was evident, particularly when Thompson hit multiple three-pointers off feeds from Doncic. One standout moment came in the fourth quarter when Thompson, free on the right wing after a carefully executed screen, had so much space that he was able to take a dribble before launching an uncontested shot, much to Doncic's delight.

Looking Ahead

"Happy I made it," Thompson said of that shot, humorously adding he was glad to keep Doncic from looking foolish.

For Thompson, the nerves were palpable in his first official game as a Maverick, having won four championships with the Warriors. His anxiety quickly dissipated after he knocked down a jumper early in the first quarter, courtesy of a pass from Doncic—who he had spent ample time practicing with.

"Great debut," Thompson said, reflecting on the night. "It’s just one game in October, but it feels great to get that first one out of the way. There's a ton of excitement—it's just an awesome feeling. You only get to have that debut experience once."

As the Mavericks look ahead, this partnership between Thompson and Doncic could redefine their season, making Dallas a strong contender in the competitive Western Conference.