Heat’s Klay Thompson left in awe by realization about playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo

· Yahoo Sports

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Heat’s Klay Thompson left in awe by realization about playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

MIAMI – As new Miami Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo made his preseason debut in Saturday’s 129-105 win over the Toronto Raptors in the preseason opener, it also marked the first game for sharpshooter Klay Thompson. With the new-look Heat featuring Thompson along with Antetokounmpo, the three-point specialist would reveal what continues to impress him about his two-time MVP.

Visit rouesnews.click for more information.

Heat’s Klay Thompson confident in fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Speaking to the media Monday after practice, Thompson would shout out Antetokounmpo’s playmaking, as the 31-year-old recorded nine points on three of four shooting from the field to go along with seven assists and four rebounds in 14 minutes.

“My thoughts are how I was so impressed by Giannis’ playmaking,” Thompson said. “I mean, I know he’s a great passer, but wow, he gets so many great looks. I’m going to be on the receiving end of so many of those, so I’m not worried about my field goal attempts or shooting efficiency as much in the preseason. I’m more just focused on getting a grasp of this offensive system, defensive system, and being in the right spots. So I’ve been in this league a long time. I’m going to be able to have great looks.”

Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

When looking at Thompson’s performance, there wasn’t much there in the stat sheet, as it was noticeable the type of defense that the Raptors were playing, which was blanketing the four-time NBA champion from getting any shots with space. All in all, Thompson recorded zero points on two shot attempts, one from beyond the arc.

Despite the lack of production in the preseason opener, Thompson would say to ClutchPoints on Monday that it “felt amazing” to get out there with his new team.

“Felt good to catch your wind because you could train all you want, until you feel that game atmosphere, it’s hard to simulate the feelings of the crowd and the nerves,” Thompson said. “So it just felt so good to get those 13 minutes in and just see us as a whole. And can’t wait till Thursday night. This preseason is very important for us, just so we can get in tip-top condition for opening night.”

Heat’s Klay Thompson speaks on “patience” with his role in lineup

Thompson was in the starting lineup for Saturday’s win to go along with Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Davion Mitchell, and former Golden State Warriors teammate Andrew Wiggins. With that five as the likely opening day starting lineup for the regular-season opener on Oct. 21 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thompson is looking to stay “patient” in learning his place in the Heat’s system.

“I would say it’s important for a player like myself not to force it because when I do great things…it’s been that I let the game come to me,” Thompson said. “And I thought I did a great job of that in the first night. I mean, the ball was humming, guys were getting great looks, and even just making the right cut or the right swing pass- you might not get credited for it, but it’s going to get your teammates great shots. So for me, it’s just about staying patient and still learning the system and being as ready as I will be or can be come the 21st.”

At any rate, Thompson and Miami continue to work out the kinks of its new lineup in the annual Red, White, and Pink public scrimmage on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s home preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Related: Heat’s Giannis Antetokounmpo gets 100% real on Erik Spoelstra’s Magic Johnson comparison

Related: Heat’s Erik Spoelstra shows no fear with Dwyane Wade challenge to Giannis Antetokounmpo amid injury concerns

Read full story at source