The Dallas Mavericks secured a 130-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday night at the American Airlines Center. With Luka Doncic absent from the lineup, it was Klay Thompson who stepped up to lead the Mavericks, finishing as the team’s top scorer and playing a key role in the win.
After the game, Thompson took a moment to reflect on the legacy of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, one day after the anniversary of his passing. Klay recalled his fond memories of Bryant, especially from his time growing up in Southern California.
“Kobe was one of the most intelligent athletes to ever grace this earth, and he was the ultimate competitor. My memories of Kobe are very fond, especially growing up in Southern California, for high school at least, and getting to see him,” Klay said.
Thompson then recalled his first meeting with Doncic and shared an interesting tidbit about their initial meeting. He mentioned that he knew Luka would be special when he saw Kobe come out of retirement to watch him play.
Klay Thompson shares memories of Kobe Bryant and how much Kobe meant to him, one day after the anniversary of his passing.
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) January 28, 2025
Klay also shares the first thing he told Luka when they met, that he knew he was going to be special bc he got Kobe Bryant out of the house to see him play. pic.twitter.com/3WAMO84HYa
“That’s actually funny cuz that’s the first thing I told Luka when we met. I was like, ‘Man, I knew you were gonna be special.’ Because he brought Kobe out of the house to go watch him play. Kobe doesn’t just give that love to those who don’t earn it,” he continued.
“So that’s a cool moment because it’s cool to see retirement give Luka that love. And I think about him and Gigi, I mean, every day.”
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Klay Thompson Makes History With Record-Tying Seven Three-Pointers In A Quarter
Klay Thompson finished the game against the Wizards with 23 points, three rebounds, and four assists, going 8-of-15 on field goal attempts. The highlight of his performance came in the first quarter, where Thompson hit seven three-pointers.
With this performance, Thompson became just the second player in NBA history to record three quarters with seven or more three-pointers made, joining J.R. Smith in this elite club. He also tied the Mavericks’ franchise record for the most three-pointers in a quarter, which was previously set by Luka Doncic.
With this dominant win, the Mavericks improved to a 25-22 record on the season. The Mavs will take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
