For over a decade, Klay Thompson excelled within the NBA as a cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors. Throughout his time with the crew, he captured 4 championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) as a part of a star-studded roster led by Stephen Curry. Collectively, the duo earned the long-lasting nickname ‘Splash Brothers’ for his or her distinctive capturing capability. Nevertheless, now with the Dallas Mavericks, Thompson omitted Curry when talking about one of many league’s greatest shooters, as a substitute highlighting one other star.
“He’s among the finest shooters I’ve ever performed with,” Thompson mentioned of Kyrie Irving throughout Tuesday’s press convention following Dallas’ victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. “He’s a three-point contest champion. He’s extremely environment friendly—simply take a look at his profession numbers. It’s ridiculous.”
Klay joins the rising record of NBA personalities who think about Kyrie Irving among the many league’s most spectacular gamers. “His physique management, his deal with, his shot—he’s actually one in all a form. It’s a blessing to be his two-guard,” Thompson mentioned when talking about his new teammate.
“It’s wonderful—I’ve performed with Kyrie on USA Groups, confronted him loads of occasions, and guarded him loads of occasions… He’s simply unimaginable,” Thompson mentioned, reflecting on his new teammate. Whereas Thompson and Irving are starting to kind an fascinating duo with the Mavericks, the crew’s efficiency thus far has fallen wanting preseason expectations.
Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks drives in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs in the course of the first quarter of the sport at American Airways Heart
Mavericks’ efficiency with Thompson and Irving
Klay Thompson has been a constant presence for the Mavericks, enjoying in all video games this season, whereas Kyrie Irving missed just one—a slim 115-113 loss to the Utah Jazz final week. When the 2 have shared the court docket, Dallas has posted a 5-6 report in 14 video games.
Thompson is averaging 28.7 minutes per recreation, contributing 14 factors, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per recreation. In the meantime, Irving has taken on a bigger position, averaging 24.3 factors, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 34.5 minutes per recreation.
see additionally
NBA Information: Jason Kidd, Mavericks obtain disappointing Luka Doncic damage replace
Thompson’s optimism
Whereas Thompson’s numbers stay beneath his peak efficiency with the Warriors, the veteran guard stays optimistic about his future in Dallas. “I don’t actually care about what number of photographs I get,” Thompson defined throughout Tuesday’s press convention. “I simply need to be as environment friendly as I probably can… I’ll have some actually large nights right here sooner or later… I can really feel it.” As Thompson continues to regulate to his new crew and position, his partnership with Irving may show to be a key issue within the Mavericks’ success shifting ahead.
