Klay Thompson

Something of a global sensation following 11 seasons of catch-and-shoot mastery in the Bay Area, Klay Thompson, ironically, needed only a Spain pick-and-roll to produce Texas-sized history during Chapter One with the Dallas Mavericks. Two trifectas shy of breaking Dallas’ single-game record in a first-time cameo, the four-time NBA champion plays his part in a creative design, barricading Victor Wembanyama before migrating towards the now-vacated top of the 3-point arc. Finding both a ready-to-erupt crowd, and a confident teammate — counting the 3-point deposit before the check had even been written — already celebrating in the opposite direction, Thompson connects on a 26-foot flamethrower, prompting a well-deserved applause. The high-profile All-Star connection between No. 31 and No. 77 would remain in effect for four different buckets during the Mavericks’ season-opening triumph over the San Antonio Spurs on October 24, 2024. Thompson, visibly spry and in-rhythm on both ends, delivered 22 points (on 7-of-13 shooting) alongside seven rebounds, one assist, three steals, and six 3-pointers, helping Dallas kickstart its Wild West conference title defense in style.