Dallas Mavericks legend and current Utah Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry was thrilled to see Klay Thompson wearing his No. 31 jersey along with a matching signature headband.
The former NBA guard, who won a championship with the Mavericks in 2011 and was named Sixth Man of the Year in 2009, requested just one thing from Thompson:
“All I said [to Thompson] is all he owes me is to make some shots,” Terry told ESPN. “That’s it. Do the number right, that’s it. Make some shots. And he’ll do it. I think he’s going to play with a lot to prove. Obviously, he did some great things, historical things with Golden State, and he’s looking to turn a page and go to another chapter and make another mark on his legacy here with Dallas.”
However, Thompson didn’t perform well in his preseason debut against Terry’s Jazz, hitting only 3 of 9 shots for 10 points during 18 minutes in a 107-102 loss on October 10. He attributed his struggles to first-game jitters, admitting he was nervous for four days prior.
“I haven’t been that nervous, I don’t think, since the 2015 Finals Game 1,” Thompson stated after his shaky debut. “It felt so good just to go out there and play and work those jitters out. It was a new experience… To finally put the uniform on, it felt amazing.”
Thompson missed his first three shots but said, “I felt like my rookie season all over again.” As the game progressed, his nerves settled, and he made his first 3-pointer just 10 seconds into the second quarter.
“When I went back in and I could sit down and breathe, [I] realized [it’s] just basketball,” Thompson commented. “I felt great moving and shooting. Once I saw one shot go in, I just got back to what I know best and that’s playing the game you love.”
He reassured that there’s nothing to worry about his back, and he found comfort in the second quarter, shooting 50% from the field.
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd saw many positives in Thompson’s debut, remarking, “For him tonight, there are a lot of positives.” He noted that Thompson had great looks and demonstrated patience, encouraging him to take more shots.
Thompson joined the Mavericks this past summer via sign-and-trade after a 13-year stint in Golden State, where he won four championships.
“I’m just excited to experience a new chapter,” Thompson expressed. “It’s going to be special. I just know it.”
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