Dallas Mavericks star Klay Thompson reached a historic milestone in his career in their 112-101 loss on Sunday. Thompson scored 25 points on 6-for-13 shooting from deep, making him the 125th player to score at least 16,000 points in the NBA. The veteran shooter passed Derek Harper and Rasheed Wallace in the all-time scoring leaders with 16,013 points.
The former Golden State Warriors star has been a great scorer in his career, averaging 19.4 points in his 12 years in the league. He’s also had some iconic scoring moments, including his 60-point outing in the 2017-18 season.
After their loss to the Nuggets, Thompson reflected on what he’s done in his career. However, it surprised him that LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has over 40,000 career points.
“It’s cool but makes you realize how ridiculous it is that LeBron has 40 something thousand,” Thompson said. “Ridiculous, it’s insane. But it’s cool. Anytime you do something like that in the NBA, it’s a special moment.”
Klay Thompson on his 16,000 career points: “It’s cool but makes you realize how ridiculous it is that LeBron has 40 something thousand…”
Thompson became the 125th player to reach 16k points.
He also passed Derek Harper and Rasheed Wallace, currently 123rd all-time w/ 16,013. pic.twitter.com/eCjzw3JoY4
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) January 12, 2025
With the Mavs, Thompson is averaging the lowest numbers of his career since his rookie season. In 33 games. the four-time champion has put up 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
Klay Thompson had the best compliments to his young teammate
While the Mavs suffered an unfortunate loss, the team still put up a fight. The team’s young big man Dereck Lively II assisted Klay Thompson with his 14 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. After the game, the five-time All-Star spoke highly of Lively, especially his playmaking.
Thompson said Lively is only beginning to “scratch the surface” of his potential as an NBA player.
“I can’t believe D-Live is only 20 years old, what a great player he is and will continue to be,” Thompson said. “He’s just scratching the surface of what he can be. So active, so athletic and what an incredible gift for him to be on our roster. Such a youthful, energetic presence that’s so important in what we do. It’s an honor to play with him, we got a good synergy going right now but I think there’s another level to get to.”
Klay Thompson: “I can’t believe D Live is only 20 years old, what a great player he is and will continue to be. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can be… it’s an honor to play w/ him, we got a good synergy going right now but I think there’s another level to get to.” pic.twitter.com/0Curb5Sovb
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) January 12, 2025
In his second season, Lively has made a few minor progresses. The youngster has played 30 games this season, averaging 9.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. The second-year player has also improved his playmaking, from 1.1 assists last season to 2.5 this year.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
