Klay Thompson of the Mavericks packs out and doesn’t play the first game as a member of the Warriors

NBA All-Star guard and longtime Golden State Warrior Klay Thompson is officially a Dallas Maverick.

Thompson played his first game as a Maverick on Thursday against the Utah Jazz, and the five-time All-Star’s nerves were at an all-time high.

Thompson told the media that the butterflies were in full swing as he suited up for the Mavericks for the first time in his career.

“I don’t think I’ve been this nervous since the first finals game in 2015,” Thompson said. “It felt so good to just go out there and play and get rid of the nerves. It was a new experience and it’s a natural feeling when you’ve been somewhere for so long and you’re in a new place in a new environment. To conclude. “When I had the uniform on, it felt great.

Thompson played 18 minutes and started in his Dallas debut. The 34-year-old scored 10 points, three assists, shot 3 of 9 from the field and was 3 of 5 from three.

After 13 years with one team, Thompson now finds himself in unfamiliar territory. However, he is excited for the next chapter in his life and feels the love from Dallas fans.

“It feels great to be embraced by the fan base,” Thompson said. “It inspires me every day to do my best and do my best. I know I made the right decision, especially given how I felt tonight and over the last few weeks with the team.”

“I’m just excited to experience a new chapter,” said Thompson, who took a break during the Mavs’ season opener Monday night. “It will be special. I just know it.”

Not only is Thompson on a new team, he’s also rocking a new number, No. 31. Thompson spent the first 13 years of his career with the Warriors, where he enjoyed a Hall of Fame career. During those 13 years, he won four NBA titles, was named All-Star five times, All-NBA twice, and was part of the 2019 All-Defensive Second Team.

Now the page has turned for Thompson and the Warriors. Dallas is excited to have Thompson alongside former Mavericks champion guard Jason Terry.

Terry said he loved how Thompson wore the headband in his debut, as he had throughout his career.

“The fact that he’s wearing the headband too makes me happy,” Terry said. “Everything I said [to Thompson] He just owes me a few shots. That’s it. Get the number right, that’s it. Take a few shots. And he will do it. I think he’ll have a lot to prove. He obviously did some great, historic things with Golden State, and he wants to turn the page, start a new chapter and add another stamp to his legacy here at Dallas.

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