Klay Thompson shared his perspective after the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-105 on Monday night.
“I knew I was close to…pretty sweet, honestly, position to be in,” Thompson said regarding reaching 2,800 career three-pointers.
Thompson praised his role off the bench and the team’s ball movement. “It’s been great honestly. I love the game, and I love being healthy enough to be out there so much. We shared the ball very well tonight and had a great assist-to-turnover ratio,” he said.
The veteran highlighted Jaden Hardy’s early contributions. “I was very proud of Jaden who hasn’t gotten the most consistent minutes recently, but he stayed ready and was huge for us to start the game. He kind of gave us a spark that we needed,” Thompson said.
Thompson reflected on mentoring younger players like Cooper Flagg. “It’s surreal and it makes me realize how fast time has gone…even with Cooper, he told me he was like nine years old when he watched me in the 2015 Finals. I just feel honored to be still out here playing at a high level,” Thompson said.
The sharpshooter also praised Flagg’s growth and confidence. “Well, just his willingness…him being willing to be out there every night and go through whatever…you’ve seen how comfortable he is with the ball in his hand especially at the end of the game,” Thompson said.
Thompson addressed his longevity and perspective as a veteran. “Pro sports are hard. It’s hard to have longevity, especially with the style of play these days. It takes great commitment to get to this point, and I’m excited to be the veteran on the team,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of leading by example. “I say little things and I try to tell them what it felt like when I was a rookie or what I would have done differently…just to have no expectation your first season because there’s so much ahead of you,” Thompson said.
Dallas relied on a balanced effort, with Cooper Flagg scoring 27 points, Naji Marshall adding 22, and Thompson contributing 18 points with six 3-pointers.
The Mavericks built a 14-point second-half cushion and managed the game efficiently despite missing four starters, including Anthony Davis and P.J. Washington Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 28 points, but the Nets fell to 11-26, extending their losing streak to four games.
Dallas improves to 15-25 and will host Denver on Wednesday, while Brooklyn continues its road trip in New Orleans.
