Inside Klay Thompson’s Early Days with the Mavericks: Finding Rhythm and Chemistry with Luka Dončić

Klay Thompson adjusts to the Mavericks, building chemistry with Luka Dončić as Jason Kidd shares insights ahead of the season opener against the Spurs.

Photo via Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS — Klay Thompson’s preseason with the Dallas Mavericks has been a period of adjustment, not just to a new team but also to a new role alongside Luka Dončić. On Thursday, the Mavs will face the San Antonio Spurs to open the regular season, putting this into practice for the first time against external competition.

This transition marks a significant chapter in Thompson's career, as he last played with the Golden State Warriors in April. He likened his adjustment with the Mavericks to “transferring schools.” He has embraced the challenge of building chemistry with one of the NBA’s brightest stars in a different offensive system than the one he had next to Stephen Curry.

Thompson, who averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season, debuted as a Maverick at the American Airlines Center on Oct. 10 during a preseason game against the Utah Jazz. Despite being a preseason outing, the moment was significant, with a warm reception from the home crowd, and Thompson admitted that he felt a wave of nerves leading up to the game before finishing with 10 points.

“I was nervous for like four days,” Thompson said after the game. “I haven’t been that nervous, I don’t think, since Game 1 of the 2015 Finals. It felt so good just to get out there and play and work those jitters out. It was a new experience, and it’s a natural feeling when you’ve been somewhere so long to be somewhere new in a new environment. To finally put the uniform on, it felt amazing.”

Thompson's decision to join the Mavericks—a team coming off an NBA Finals appearance—was driven by a desire to contribute to a squad with championship aspirations. Having spent his entire career with the Warriors, adjusting to a new system, teammates, and city has been a substantial change. Yet, as Thompson navigates these challenges, he remains confident in his ability to adapt and thrive.

“When you’re on such a talented team, you don’t have to be a hero,” Thompson said. “That’s what attracted me to come here. I think these guys can help me get the best out of myself. And have fun. When you’re playing with a smile on your face, basketball is the best.”

During the preseason, Thompson averaged 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across three games. While his shooting numbers—24.1% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc—were below his usual standards, Thompson views the preseason as an opportunity to find his rhythm.

Thompson’s best stretch came in the preseason finale against the Milwaukee Bucks when he made three consecutive jump shots, igniting excitement throughout the American Airlines Center. “It felt good to catch a good rhythm,” Thompson said. “You can’t really simulate live play, no matter how much practice. It’s preseason, and that’s what it’s for, to get your legs under you.”