Klay Thompson Heats Up Off the Bench as Mavericks Roll Past Jazz
DALLAS - The Dallas Mavericks found their rhythm Saturday night, and Klay Thompson was right in the middle of it. In a 138-120 win over the Utah Jazz, Thompson not only crossed the 17,000-point mark for his career, but he also reminded everyone that when he’s locked in, few in the league can match his shooting touch.
Thompson poured in 23 points in just 20 minutes, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and knocking down six of his 11 attempts from deep. That’s the kind of efficiency that turns a solid night into a statement.
“My mindset is to try and get open and get my shoulders square and let it fly,” Thompson said after the game. “When I do that, I shoot with confidence, it usually goes in. Got on a little heater at the end of that second quarter, felt great.”
That second-quarter surge was vintage Klay - quick-trigger threes, smooth footwork, and the kind of confidence that only comes from years of doing this at the highest level. He looked comfortable, composed, and most importantly, like a player who’s embracing his new role.
And that role has shifted this season.
Thompson began the year as a starter, but early struggles led head coach Jason Kidd to make a bold move - bringing the veteran sharpshooter off the bench. It’s a decision that raised eyebrows at first, but it’s paying dividends now. Since the switch, Thompson has looked more fluid, more efficient, and more impactful.
“I think right now he is shooting the ball at a very high level for us,” Kidd said. “Just his gravity helps his teammates too because it gives them space to do what they have to.”
Kidd’s point about gravity is key. Even when Thompson isn’t taking the shot, his presence on the floor pulls defenders out of position.
That opens up driving lanes, frees up cutters, and gives Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving more room to operate. It’s the kind of off-ball impact that doesn’t always show up in the box score, but coaches and teammates know how valuable it is.
Of course, with the trade deadline approaching, Thompson’s name continues to pop up in rumors. That’s the business side of the game. But if Saturday’s performance is any indication, Thompson’s value - whether to the Mavericks or a potential suitor - is trending in the right direction.
“My mindset is to try and get open and get my shoulders square and let it fly,” Klay Thompson said of his mindset that leads to success. pic.twitter.com/28QzC16HuH
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) January 18, 2026
For now, Thompson is focused on keeping the momentum going. “Carry that same flow into New York City,” he said, already looking ahead to the next one.
The Mavericks hit the road for a Monday night matchup with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. After that, they’ll return to Dallas for a pair of high-profile games against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers - two teams that know Klay Thompson all too well.
If he keeps shooting like this, they’ll be reminded again soon.