Luka Dončić Praises Klay Thompson After Mavs Debut vs. Spurs ...
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Luka Dončić was impressed with Klay Thompson's first game as a member of the Dallas Mavericks following the team's 120-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
"He was great, man," Dončić told reporters after the victory. "Just knocking down a lot of shots. He was moving out there. He played great defense too, so I'm just glad we got him."
Luka Doncic on Klay Thompson.<br><br>He said Klay makes his life easier. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MFFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/6iP3u7pMcB">pic.twitter.com/6iP3u7pMcB</a>
Thompson finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three steals while shooting 7-13 from the field and connecting on six of his 10 attempts from behind the arc. He set a new franchise record for three-pointers in a debut.
KLAY SETS THE MAVS' RECORD FOR MOST THREES IN A DEBUT ???????? <a href="https://t.co/opDkiKNZRv">pic.twitter.com/opDkiKNZRv</a>
Dončić was also able to remain effective despite a 9-25 shooting performance, nearly recording a triple-double against San Antonio. He finished with a game-high 28 points to go along with 10 rebounds and eight assists, finding Thompson on multiple occasions.
Luka knew Klay's shot was going ???????? <a href="https://t.co/JGhP4YAdw7">pic.twitter.com/JGhP4YAdw7</a>
SIX THREES NOW FOR KLAY.<br><br>LUKA LOOKS AWAY AGAIN.<br><br>FUN. <a href="https://t.co/gaALw8Pi8A">https://t.co/gaALw8Pi8A</a> <a href="https://t.co/tpUNGeP5QW">pic.twitter.com/tpUNGeP5QW</a>
It's an encouraging sign for Dallas that both players were able to get on the same page quickly, as Dončić didn't appear in any preseason games due to a calf contusion.
Thompson wasn't worried about the lack of time to build chemistry heading into the season-opener, revealing that the superstar forward was a "huge reason" why he joined the Mavericks.
"I think we'll be great," Thompson said on Oct. 18, per Eddie Sefko of the team's official website. "A huge reason why I'm here is because of Luka and the chance to play with him. With the week ahead, we'll have a lot of time to build great chemistry. But he's such a great player I don't think he needs much time to get acclimated to new teammates."
The 34-year-old joined Dallas in a sign-and-trade agreement with the Golden State Warriors in July, signing a three-year contract worth $50 million. Thompson spent the first 13 years of his career with the Warriors, earning five All-Star nods and four championships.
As the Mavericks attempt to build upon last season's NBA Finals appearance, they got off to a strong start on Thursday due to Dončić and Thompson.
