Klay Thompson made a resounding statement in his Dallas Mavericks debut, quickly dispelling doubts about his abilities and reminding fans why he remains one of the NBA’s most iconic sharpshooters. Entering his 34th season with a fresh team, Thompson delivered an unforgettable performance, sinking 6 of his 10 three-point attempts and scoring a solid 22 points against the San Antonio Spurs. The buzz around him is louder than ever, and even Stephen A. Smith, known for his critical eye, had nothing but high praise for the Mavericks’ new weapon.
On First Take, Smith went beyond his usual skeptical tone to commend Thompson’s performance. Emphasizing Thompson’s unique impact, he said, “There are very few shooters in NBA history that can do what this brother has done on an off-year.” Smith went on to underline Thompson’s potential value to the Mavericks, explaining that if Thompson can continue showing up with this consistency and confidence, it could change Dallas’s trajectory in a major way. In his view, the combination of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Thompson could propel the Mavericks into contention, giving Dallas the offensive and defensive balance they sorely lacked last season.
Dallas’s 2023 NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics exposed significant vulnerabilities, particularly in defense and perimeter shooting. As Smith noted, Doncic couldn’t carry the defensive load alone, and Irving, despite his offensive prowess, was limited by his size when facing larger, more physical teams. Without a reliable three-point threat, the Mavericks struggled to stretch the floor and create open lanes for Doncic and Irving. Thompson’s ability to consistently hit from beyond the arc could finally give Dallas that missing dimension, as well as force opponents to rethink their defensive strategies.
Thompson’s presence, marked by his three-point shooting prowess and championship experience, offers the Mavericks a new level of depth. Ranked by the NBA as the league’s sixth-best shooter, Thompson showed in his debut that he’s far from finished. His performance not only turned heads but also seemed to validate Dallas’s decision to bring him in as a key piece of their roster. Smith’s earlier skepticism regarding the Mavericks’ shooting capabilities now seems distant, with Thompson’s three-point accuracy and on-court leadership giving fans a glimpse of a potentially transformative season.
The excitement that Thompson’s arrival has generated goes beyond the statistics. Watching him play with confidence in the American Airlines Center, especially as he connected from deep repeatedly, signaled the start of a new chapter. Smith, who tweeted his disappointment after last season’s Finals, appears hopeful that Thompson could erase those memories, providing Dallas with the firepower they need to make another run at the championship.
As Thompson settles into Dallas, he brings more than just his shooting skills. He brings the mentality of a champion—a player who has navigated injuries, setbacks, and comebacks, all while maintaining his elite status. With a three-year contract to make his mark, Thompson has the time and opportunity to work alongside Doncic and Irving to mold the Mavericks into a title-caliber team. If he can keep up this momentum, Thompson might be exactly what Dallas needs to finally reach the league’s elite, solidifying his legacy and pushing the Mavericks closer to a long-awaited championship.
