Klay Thompson makes his first three-pointer in Dallas in Mavs win after 13 seasons with Warriors

DALLAS (AP) — Klay Thompson chatted with Tony Romo during a timeout early in the fourth quarter, paused before taking a very clear position for a 3-pointer, dribbled once, paused again to set up the shot and made it.

Dallas’ first game was little better than the finale of Thompson’s 13 seasons in Golden State.

Thompson tied a franchise record with six 3-pointers in his debut and joined Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in scoring 22 points for the first time in the Mavericks’ 120-109 win over the San Antonio Spurs in both teams’ opener on Thursday night.

“There was a lot of feeling of nerves and anxiety for a few minutes, and then you see one of those things go away and you feel great,” Thompson said. “A great start. “There’s only one game in October, but it feels good to get the first one out of the way.”

Thompson, who missed all 10 shots in his last game with the Warriors in a play-in tournament loss in April, made his first two shots against the defending Western Conference champions, both inside the arc.

Like a Dallas team that shot 36% in the first half, Thompson missed his next four shots, making his first three a preview of the second half.

Thompson scored 14 points at halftime and was 4/5 from long range. Dallas, on the other hand, scored 13 points with 3/21 points after scoring 6/23 points in the first half. The five-time All-Star and four-time champion with the Warriors also had seven rebounds and three steals.

The three-pointer, which followed a conversation with former Dallas Cowboys point guard Romo sitting courtside, came during a 16-3 run at the beginning of the fourth quarter and gave the Mavericks their first 20-point lead.

While pausing and dribbling may be new to Dallas fans, Thompson said he’s done it occasionally throughout his career.

“When you’re getting ready to throw the ball and you’re that open, sometimes you overthink it,” Thompson said. “But I heard Luka running on the ground. “I’m glad I did it and made sure he didn’t look like an idiot.”

Thompson finished 7 of 13 overall and 6 of 10 from 3, while Doncic had 28 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.

Thompson’s only assist came when he took a pass off the screen and looked like he was going to go up from the 3. Instead, it lasted a short while before getting back to Irving, who hit a 3 en route to 15 points.

“It’s easy to play with a guy like that,” Doncic said of Thompson. “It makes your life easier. It makes me and Kai’s life easier, it makes the whole team’s life easier. There is lots of space. Great.”

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