Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson has faced some of the NBA’s greatest scorers in his career, but he singled out Kyrie Irving as the most difficult matchup.
Speaking about his current teammate, Thompson said NBA History & Storytellers on CLNS, via HoopsHype, “He’s the toughest guy I’ve ever guarded. Put him up there with LeBron, KD, and Kobe — he’s got no weaknesses in his game.”
The two veterans share a long history in the league, both entering the NBA in the 2011 Draft. Thompson, a five-time All-Star, has built his career on perimeter defense and elite shooting, while Irving, a nine-time All-Star, is known for his scoring creativity and ball-handling ability.
Now teammates in Dallas, Thompson expressed appreciation for the opportunity to play alongside the guard he once spent years trying to contain. “And it’s awesome being his teammate now, because we can talk about those things and try to add to our last chapter in the league together — and add to our legacy,” Thompson said.
Irving, who re-signed with the Mavericks on a three-year deal in July after recovering from a torn ACL in March, has averaged 23.7 points and 5.6 assists across his career. He helped lead Cleveland to the 2016 NBA title, hitting one of the most memorable shots in Finals history.
Thompson, who won four championships with Golden State before joining Dallas in 2024, has averaged 19.1 points per game in his career while shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range. He played a pivotal role in the Warriors’ dynasty years with his two-way impact.
Both players are entering the later stages of their careers, but Thompson believes their partnership can still elevate the Mavericks in a competitive Western Conference.
By calling Irving the toughest opponent he has ever guarded, Thompson placed his teammate in the same breath as NBA legends LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kobe Bryant.
