2 weeks Ago By Shayne Hope
NBA superstar Klay Thompson has fired a game-high six three-pointers in a record-breaking debut for Dallas, playing a key role in his new team's season-opening 120-109 home win over San Antonio. Star duo Luka Doncic (28 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists) and Kyrie Irving (15 points) shone as the defending Western Conference champion Mavericks pulled clear of their Texas rivals in the fourth period. But it was Thompson, a four-time champion during his 13-year tenure with Golden State, who grabbed the headlines.
Seen as the key to the Mavs' title ambitions when he signed as a free agent, Thompson was 6-of-10 from long range on his way to 22 points. The 34-year-old set a new franchise record for most threes on a Mavs debut. "I couldn't have asked for a better start," Thompson told TNT Sports post-game.
"Just sharing the floor with Ky, Luka and the rest of the guys is very special after a hard month of really good work and seeing it come to fruition. "It's just a small step to where we want to go, but it's something to build on." Thompson was brought in by the Mavericks with the intention of helping Slovenian superstar Doncic claim his first NBA title.
"Luka makes the game easier for not just myself but everybody in this arena," Thompson said. "His passing ability is second to none and I'm here to help him try be one of the greatest. "We know it's his team, the show runs through him, but it takes a whole squad to go where we want to go.
" Dereck Lively had a double-double off the bench for Dallas with 15 points and 11 rebounds, one of six scorers in double figures. San Antonio had four, including Julian Chamagnie, Jeremy Sochan (both 18 points) and former No.1 draft pick Victor Wembanyama (17).
The Mavs were without Australian guard Dante Exum, who remains sidelined with a wrist injury. In Washington, Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the Boston Celtics cruised to a comfortable 122-102 win over the Wizards. Jaylen Brown had 27 points and eight boards, while Derrick White (19 points) and Payton Pritchard (15) pitched in for the defending NBA champions.
Jordan Poole was Washington's top scorer with 26 points, including 20 in the first half, while Jonas Valanciunas had 18 off the bench in his first outing for his new team. After taking their first double-digit lead just before halftime, the Celtics outscored the Wizards 34-19 in the third quarter put the game out of reach. Later on Friday (AEDT), Australian veteran Joe Ingles will play his second game for title hopefuls Minnesota in a clash with Sacramento.
Fellow contenders Oklahoma City and Denver face off in the other late game..
