Confidence Boost: Mavs’ Fans Rally Behind Klay Thompson: “He’s Still Got it.”
Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson had a 19-point outing on Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup game against the New Orleans Pelicans, 132-91. The Mavs had a strong start to the game and had a 44-point first period following Thompson’s 10-point quarter.
Following their win against the Pelicans, the Mavs are on a three-game winning streak. On Saturday, they had a 110-93 win over the San Antonio Spurs. On Sunday, Dallas outlasted the Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-119.
After their third win, Mavs forward Naji Marshall spoke highly of Thompson ‘s contribution to the team. He pointed out that although the four-time champion hasn’t performed like a star, he has confidence the former Golden State Warriors guard will find his groove.
“Klay is Klay, man,” Marshall said. “It’s gonna happen eventually—Klay gonna be Klay. So just kind of waiting for him to do it. And when he does, it’s exciting. I also like how he fuels the team and gives us the energy we need,” Marshall said.
Over the summer, Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million deal, leaving the organization that drafted him. With the Mavs, he’s played 14 games averaging 13.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 35% shooting from deep.
Dallas Mavericks star credits the team’s strong start behind their victory
Luka Doncic, a star for the Dallas Mavericks, attributed their victory over New Orleans to their strong first quarter. Doncic pointed out that the team’s pace and energy pushed them to improve their record to 8-7.
“Just playing with pace and energy,” Doncic said. “We’ve kind of been known for slow starts this season, so we’re trying to improve that. Coming out with good defense and pace on offense was key.”
Doncic, who had 26 points in the game, credited what his co-star Kyrie Irving did on the floor. Irving had 18 points, behind a 4-for-5 shooting from beyond the arc.
“It’s simple, because he’s Kyrie Irving,” Doncic said on how the All-Star guard has been able to finish through traffic. “I get to see it every day. It still amazes me to this day, it will still amaze me til the end of days we play together. It’s just unbelievable.”
The media asked the Slovenian player what he finds most impressive about Irving’s style of play. Doncic said this:
“Everything. He’s never the tallest guy on the floor, but the way he finishes with the ball is unbelievable. And his jump shot—every time he goes up, I feel like he can’t miss.”
