Klay Thompson Reflects on First Mavericks Bench Role Debut
Klay Thompson experienced a noteworthy role shift during his latest game with the Mavericks. For the first time in 80 appearances, he came off the bench in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Klay Thompson’s Bench Debut and Post-Game Reflections
The Mavericks faced a disappointing 101-99 defeat to the Pelicans, currently last in the Western Conference. This loss heightened tensions in the Mavericks locker room, particularly for Thompson, a four-time NBA champion.
Despite a string of injuries that plagued the team, Thompson was vocal about the importance of accountability. “We’ve gotta take ownership for the product out there,” he stated, emphasizing the need for improvement both individually and collectively as a team. With the Mavericks struggling at a 2-6 record, he urged his teammates to approach the remaining 74 games with a “high sense of urgency.”
Thompson’s Performance Stats
Before the game, Thompson averaged just 8.1 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 31.8% overall and 26.2% from three-point range. Coming off the bench did not hinder him; he scored five points quickly after entering the game and finished with a season-high 11 points, shooting 4-of-7 from the field.
Coaching Decisions and Future Outlook
Mavericks coach Jason Kidd explained that the decision to have Thompson come off the bench was not permanent. He mentioned, “I thought him coming off the bench gave us a spark.” Thompson showed a positive attitude towards the change, stating, “I don’t mind; I’m going to play. I’m going to do great things.”
The last time Thompson didn’t start was during the 2023-24 season with his previous team, the Golden State Warriors. Until that point, he had started 792 out of 806 games in his career, underscoring how unusual his current role is.
Thompson’s Perspective on Career Longevity and Performance
As he approaches his 36th birthday in February, Thompson reflects on his long NBA journey. He draws parallels between his career and the theme of perseverance, noting, “It’s hard, especially as time goes on.” He remains optimistic about his performance, acknowledging a sluggish start to the current season but feeling his rhythm returning. “Now, I’m finally feeling like myself again,” he said.
Thompson’s resilience and faith in his abilities signal a bright outlook as he aims to elevate both his own game and his team’s performance in the upcoming matches.
