Is Klay Thompson playing tonight? Exploring Mavericks star’s availability vs Spurs | 2024-25 NBA season
Klay Thompson will make his highly anticipated regular season debut for the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. The five-time All-star played in three of his team’s four preseason games but is healthy. After a storied career with the Golden State Warriors, he will don the Mavs’ colors for the 2024-25 NBA season.
Last season was Thompson’s healthiest since returning from back-to-back devastating injuries that had sidelined him for two years. He played 77 games for the Dubs, starting 63, before leaving the team he helped carry to four championships. He averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in his last season in the Bay Area.
Thompson, who said that he wanted a “fresh start,” gets that when the Mavericks open their season against Victor Wembanyama and Co.
Jason Kidd isn’t worried about Klay Thompson’s chemistry with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving
Luka Doncic, the Dallas Mavericks’ franchise cornerstone didn't play in the preseason and is reportedly dealing with a leg contusion. The Mavericks wanted to err on the side of caution, so they sidelined him. “Luka Legend,” though, will play on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Although Klay Thompson hasn’t played with Doncic outside of training camp, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd isn’t worried about hiccups in the offense. Here’s what Kidd told reporters when asked about potential chemistry issues (5:09 mark)
“He’s Klay. He looks good. Those two (Doncic and Irving) seem like they have a relationship like they’ve been playing together for a while. Klay has been doing everything we’ve asked him to do both offensively and defensively.”
Kidd didn't confirm if Thompson will start, but “Killa Klay” didn't come off the bench in the preseason. The 2011 champ kept emphasizing in the aforementioned interview that one of the Mavs’ priorities was developing a “relationship” between Thompson and the team’s two superstars.
Jason Kidd was satisfied with their chemistry, so Klay Thompson has a good chance of starting on his debut on Thursday.