Klay Thompson’s impressive preseason debut made it clear he wasn’t bluffing.
Thompson’s first appearance with the Dallas Mavericks is now official, and despite dealing with nerves, he delivered a strong performance in just 18 minutes. Playing only in the first half, his showing offered a glimpse of what he might bring to Dallas in the regular season.
He finished with 10 points and three assists, hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. His effort on both ends of the court hinted at the greater impact he could have as the season progresses.
Over the summer, Thompson faced heavy criticism, especially regarding his defense, after signing with the Mavericks. However, he answered those doubts in his debut against the Utah Jazz by playing solid perimeter defense. There were even suggestions that his offensive game had declined after a “down” year, with some claiming he wasn’t the same shooter anymore.
Backing up his bold Media Day statement, Thompson proved his form in the preseason. He confidently said at Media Day, “You still can’t leave me open,” and he lived up to it on Thursday night.
Thompson’s shooting, particularly from deep, remains as dangerous as ever. He knocked down three 3-pointers, all contested by defenders. His ability to get shots off with minimal space, combined with how closely he was guarded even off the ball, made it clear no one wanted to leave him unmarked. His movement will continue to create opportunities for his teammates by spreading the floor.
In the game against Utah, Thompson was used as a screener in pick-and-pop situations, often slipping outside to seek open shots from three. He displayed a hint of his off-ball movement, which will only improve as the season unfolds.
Thompson admitted that his Mavs debut made him more nervous than he had been since his first NBA Finals appearance in 2015, but by the second quarter, he had settled in, looking more composed. His confidence as a shooter remains high, and his teammates seem to respect him greatly.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper praised Thompson’s “intentionality” and the “little things” that contribute to his greatness, adding that he’s eager to learn from him after sharing the court for the first time.
After just one game, Thompson’s lethal 3-point shooting is undeniable. He believes every shot he takes is going in, and his claim that “you still can’t leave me open” was proven true in his Mavs debut. Those who doubted his shooting will be proven wrong this season as Thompson continues to show that he was never bluffing about his shooting ability.
