Klay Thompson, star of the Dallas Mavericks, gears up for his first game in Mexico against the Detroit Pistons at Arena Ciudad de México. The guard, in his 15th NBA year, highlights his role as an elite three-point shooter and reflects on basketball's evolution. With 2,704 career threes, Thompson aims to stay relevant in the league.
Klay Thompson, part of the legendary Splash Brothers duo with Stephen Curry, has defined the era of three-pointers in the NBA. Alongside Curry, they drove the Golden State Warriors' success with four championships between 2015 and 2022. Now, in his 15th year in the league—though he missed two due to injuries—Thompson suits up for the Dallas Mavericks and ranks fifth all-time in threes made, with 2,704.
Ahead of his Mexico debut, Thompson spoke to the media about his longevity. "It's an interesting question. You have to always work, especially you have to be more committed than ever. This NBA is interesting; in my first year it was more strategy, now the three is used by every team, everyone plays to shoot threes and it's an honor for me to play at the highest level, especially entering my year 15," he said. He added: "It's important to me, especially when I sit and analyze it, there are many players playing at a high level and I still have a lot to give".
The Mavericks arrive with a 2-3 record to face the Pistons at Arena Ciudad de México. "I hope we win, we need it a lot. And I hope for the great atmosphere from the Mexican fans. I'm excited to compete tomorrow night in a city I've never been to before; it's a great opportunity," Thompson expressed, also mentioning his fondness for Mexican food.
The game falls on Day of the Dead, and Thompson looks forward to future matchups against his former teammate Curry: December 25 at Chase Center, January 22 in Dallas, and March 23 also in Dallas. On competing against Curry, he said: "Now I prefer to play against him because I'm with the Dallas Mavericks, and he's with the Warriors, so we're both on our path and it's the fate of this business".
This matchup offers the Mavericks a chance to boost their early-season standing and advance beyond the Play-in, where they fell last year.