Klay Thompson speaks from the bench and makes it clear he’s not done

Klay Thompson had a different kind of night in Dallas. For the first time since arriving at the Mavericks, the shooting guard wasn’t part of the starting five. Head coach Jason Kidd decided to shake up the rotation amid a rough start to the season (2-6 record). That’s how Thompson found himself on the bench against the Pelicans—a game that ended in a 101-99 loss. But instead of showing frustration, the veteran responded with calm and leadership.

“I don’t care. I’m going to play. I’m going to do great things. That’s coming, I know it,” Klay Thompson told the Dallas Morning News, in quotes cited by Athlon Sports. His attitude was backed by his performance. He entered in the first quarter and scored 11 points—his season-high—along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. It was a glimpse of the sharpshooter who for years defined precision in the NBA.

The decision isn’t final

According to Kidd, he spoke with Klay Thompson before the game and explained that the change was part of an experiment to test new combinations. “I wanted to see how we looked with a different rotation. He understood it and, honestly, gave us energy,” said the coach. In Thompson’s place, D’Angelo Russell and rookie Cooper Flagg started, in an effort to inject rhythm into the team.

Klay Thompson shot the ball BACKWARDS 💀💀😭 pic.twitter.com/XlCSqT84mb

— NBACentel (@TheNBACentel) November 6, 2025

Klay Thompson, now 35, has had a rocky start to the season. He’s averaging just over 8 points per game, shooting under 35% from the field and only 29% from three-point range—well below his career average of 41%. Still, the player remains confident in his recovery. “Those first games were tough. I struggled to find rhythm. But now I feel like I’m becoming myself again,” he said.

Adapting and moving forward

Beyond the stats, Klay Thompson showed a team-first mindset. “It’s not the start we wanted, but no excuses. We can all improve, especially me,” he said. He also reflected on his longevity in the league: “I’m happy to still be here. Fifteen years isn’t easy. I’m grateful for every game.” His humility and professionalism have been praised by the coaching staff and teammates, who see his attitude as a model of resilience.

Klay Thompson sends a message and says ‘big things are coming’

“I’m gonna do great things. That’s coming. I know it is. I’m feeling like those first five games were hard for me to get my wind and get my legs under me. Now I’m finally feeling like myself again. And you just know… pic.twitter.com/rxbeafHvel

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 6, 2025

Klay Thompson’s message responds to a tactical decision. But it also reflects what it means to be a veteran in the NBA. It’s about adapting, leading, and continuing to believe. In a franchise searching for its rhythm, having someone like Klay in the locker room might be just as valuable as having him on the court.