Klay Thompson scored 22 points, breaking the franchise 3-point record in his debut with the Dallas Mavericks, leading the team to a 120-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the season opener on Thursday night. Luka Dončić contributed significantly with 28 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-around skills.
Kyrie Irving added 15 points for the Mavericks, the defending Western Conference champions. Dončić also provided eight assists, while Thompson’s performance included seven rebounds, highlighting their potential synergy on the court.
On the Spurs’ side, Victor Wembanyama struggled with his shooting, finishing with 17 points on 5 of 18 from the field as he kicked off his second year in the league. Teammates Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie each scored 18 points, trying to support the young French star.
Takeaways
Spurs: While Thompson’s debut was a focal point, Chris Paul’s first game with San Antonio marked a significant milestone in his 20th season. The Spurs are a young team eager to break a five-season playoff drought. Although Paul’s scoring was limited to a single 3-pointer in the third quarter, his eight assists and seven rebounds demonstrated his value as a seasoned playmaker.
Mavericks: The Mavericks have emphasized the importance of defense, especially with their star trio of Dončić, Irving, and Thompson. During the third quarter, they showcased this commitment with three consecutive turnovers by the Spurs, initiated by Thompson’s steal followed by two more from Irving. However, Dallas could only convert this defensive effort into two points.
Key moment
The turning point came when the Mavericks surged to a 69-55 lead in the third quarter. In a moment of brilliance, Dončić navigated through heavy traffic and delivered a blind pass over his head to P.J. Washington Jr., who was positioned for an open three-pointer.
Key stat
The Mavericks found their rhythm from beyond the arc in the second half, shooting an impressive 13 of 18 on 3-pointers after struggling to a 6 of 23 in the first half, showcasing their ability to adapt and capitalize on opportunities.
Up next
The Spurs will host the Houston Rockets for their first of two consecutive home games on Saturday, while the Mavericks will face off against the Phoenix Suns in their road opener on the same day.
