The shot had no business going in. From the far corner, with his back nearly to the basket during pregame warmups,
Klay Thompson hoisted a sweeping, one-legged hook shot from three-point range.
The ball arced high and true, swishing through the net without touching the rim. The fans gathered at the American Airlines Center erupted.
For a moment, it was a flash of the old “Game 6 Klay” magic, a reminder of the effortless skill that helped define a dynasty.
But for Thompson and the Dallas Mavericks in 2026, the moment was a brief, brilliant distraction from a season of relentless struggle.
The Mavericks’ Disappointing Reality
The context for Thompson’s trick shot is critical. The Mavericks entered Saturday night’s game against the Utah Jazz with a 17-26 record, stuck in 12th place in the Western Conference.
This is a franchise still reeling from the shocking, franchise-altering trade of Luka Dončić in the 2024 offseason, a move that instantly vaporized their championship window. The team that reached the Finals in 2024 is a distant memory.
Injuries have ravaged the roster. Star big man Anthony Davis, acquired to be the new centerpiece, is sidelined yet again, this time with a hand injury. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg has dazzled but also missed time with an ankle sprain.
The Mavericks are a team patching holes, searching for an identity, and fighting to stay relevant in a crowded playoff picture. In this environment
Thompson’s Adjusted Role and Steady Production
Thompson’s journey to Dallas was one of the most poignant free-agent moves of 2024. After 11 iconic seasons and four championships with the Golden State Warriors, the sharpshooter signed with the Mavericks.
Now, Thompson is navigating the unfamiliar waters of a reserve role. He has started only eight of the 39 games he’s appeared in this season, averaging 22.2 minutes per game a significant reduction from his prime years.
His statistical output reflects this scaled-back role: 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game on 38.4% shooting from the field and 37.0% from three-point range.
These numbers are a far cry from his All-Star peak, but they represent important, reliable production for a depleted Mavericks squad.
A Legacy of Resilience
Thompson’s ability to contribute at all is a testament to his legendary resilience. The No. 11 overall pick in the 2011 draft missed two full seasons in his prime the entire 2019-20 and 2020-21 campaigns recovering from a torn ACL and a subsequent ruptured Achilles tendon.
Many doubted he would ever return to form. He not only returned but helped the Warriors win another championship in 2022, authoring iconic performances along the way.
That history of overcoming physical and mental hurdles is what he brings to Dallas beyond the box score. He knows how to work through slumps, how to prepare his body, and how to maintain professionalism amid team turmoil.
For a Mavericks team featuring young players like Flagg and others adjusting to NBA life, Thompson’s daily example is invaluable.
Looking Ahead: The Veteran’s Final Act
As the Mavericks continue their uphill climb in the Western Conference, Klay Thompson’s role is clear. He is no longer the focal point, but he is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
His pregame trick shot was a fun reminder of his otherworldly talent, but his real value to this Dallas team is found in the grind of an 82-game season.
He provides steady scoring off the bench. He stretches defenses with his perpetual shooting threat. He offers a calming, experienced presence in the locker room.
