Cooper Flagg can’t believe he’s playing with Klay Thompson

Anthony Davis in the infirmary, Klay Thompson is the totem of the Mavericks for several weeks, maybe even until the end of the season. At 37 years old, the former “Splash Brother” still has some nice leftovers, and last night, scores 18 points for the Nets defense went 6 of 9 from 3-point range. Like Stephen Curry, Thompson brings gravitas to the Mavericks’ game, and his teammates take advantage of that to score near the circle as Cooper Flagg and the Nazi Marshal.

Thompson also used the win against the Nets on the night to reach the symbolic milestone of 2,800 career three-pointers. He is now credited with 2,801 game-winning shots, and he is only four units away from passing Damian Lillard for fourth place in the ranking.

“I knew I was close”, Thompson said. after the meeting, asked about this historic milestone. “This is a huge thing and I don’t take it lightly. It’s a very privileged position. When I pass Lillard, it will be really special. I’m living my fifteenth season in the NBA, with significant playing time, in a magnificent city… I’m enjoying every moment. I love this sport and still being able to play at this level is a real blessing.”

“I was a basketball fan, a Warriors fan. Today being with Clay is great”

Proof that he does not take this 2,800 awarded basket lightly, Thompson presented himself at the press conference with the match ball under his arm. “Clay was outstanding tonight”Jason Kidd greeted. “Reaching 2,800 3-pointers is a remarkable achievement. To see him continue to climb in league history is fantastic. It’s been precious to us.”

At 19, Cooper Flagg has benefited from months, if not years, of Thompson’s presence and experience, and the Mavericks rookie recalled last night that he was a Warriors fan when the Curry-Thompson duo dominated the NBA.

“Yeah, that’s true. Regardless of the exact age, I grew up watching them play. I was a basketball fan, a Warriors fan. It’s been amazing to watch them develop. It’s great to be around Klay today. He’s impressive and brings a lot to us.”

Enough to touch Thompson, witness the blossoming of one of the greatest talents of the new generation. “It makes you realize how fast time flies when you’re doing what you love”smiles Thompson. “Cooper even told me he was about 9 when he saw me play in the 2015 final. It puts a lot of things into perspective…”