“Yesterday was Big for Him” – Jason Kidd Gives Insights into Klay Thompson’s First Skirmish Next to Luka Doncic
In a highly anticipated preseason game, the Dallas Mavericks saw a new but familiar face don their colors—Klay Thompson, a four-time NBA champion and renowned sharpshooter. The game marked Thompson’s first outing alongside the Mavs’ superstar, Luka Doncic, stirring excitement among fans and players alike. Head coach Jason Kidd was keen to share his thoughts on the dynamic partnership in the making, hinting at a promising future for the new-look Mavericks.
“Yesterday was big for him,” Kidd said of Thompson’s debut with the team. “It was his first time getting a real feel for how things work with Luka, and I think we saw flashes of what could be something special.”
Thompson, known for his prowess from beyond the arc, immediately made his presence felt in his first minutes on the floor. His chemistry with Doncic, one of the league’s premier playmakers, was evident from the start. The two combined for several fluid offensive sequences, with Doncic finding Thompson for open shots, while Thompson used his off-ball movement to create opportunities.
Thompson’s Resilience and Impact
Kidd emphasized the significance of Thompson’s comeback following his lengthy injury setbacks, praising the veteran for his resilience and basketball IQ. “It’s not just about what Klay can do as a shooter. It’s his experience, his leadership on both ends of the court. Yesterday, he showed he’s ready to contribute immediately.”
Although it was just a preseason game, Thompson seemed comfortable in his role as a secondary scorer, relieving some of the offensive burden that’s often fallen solely on Doncic’s shoulders. His ability to space the floor allowed Doncic more freedom to operate, and the Slovenian star wasted no time exploiting mismatches created by Thompson’s presence.
Developing Chemistry with Doncic
When asked about the growing partnership between the two stars, Kidd was optimistic but realistic, noting that building chemistry would take time. “This was just a start. They’re still learning each other’s tendencies, but there were some great moments where you could see they were clicking. Luka trusts him, and Klay knows how to find his spots.”
One such moment came in the second quarter when Thompson drained a three-pointer off a no-look pass from Doncic, drawing cheers from the crowd. Doncic later commented on how easy it was to play alongside Thompson, stating, “Klay makes the game simpler. His ability to shoot and move without the ball opens up so many opportunities for us.”
Kidd believes that the Thompson-Doncic duo could become one of the league’s most formidable combinations if they continue to grow together. With Thompson back to full health and Doncic entering his prime, the Mavericks could be positioned to make a deep playoff run. Kidd’s final words summed up the optimism surrounding the team: “It’s early, but if yesterday was any indication, we’re in for a fun season.”
Thompson’s first skirmish alongside Doncic may have been a small sample, but it provided a glimpse into the potential firepower the Mavericks now possess. With a healthy Thompson in tow and a maestro like Doncic leading the charge, Dallas could be a team to watch closely this season.
