Despite early struggles, Coach Jason Kidd champions Klay Thompson, urging him to trust his shot and maintain his offensive impact for the Mavericks.
DALLAS — Klay Thompson isn’t off to the start he envisioned in his first season with the Dallas Mavericks, but his coach isn’t flinching. Jason Kidd’s message remains simple: keep shooting.
“He’s got to keep shooting,” Kidd said after Wednesday’s 107-105 win over the Indiana Pacers. “He’s a shooter. He’s been in this league for a long time, so for him it’s about continuing to take those looks. He’s getting great looks; they’re just not going down right now.”
Through five games, Thompson has averaged 8.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 20.8 minutes per game while shooting 31.3% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range. He’s been perfect at the free-throw line (100%) but is still searching for rhythm from deep — an unusual sight for one of the NBA’s most decorated perimeter scorers.
The 35-year-old guard joined Dallas in the offseason to bring experience, leadership, and floor spacing next to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. His arrival was expected to help transform the Mavericks’ offense, particularly through his ability to stretch defenses and punish opponents off-ball screens. But with Irving sidelined following left knee surgery and Davis missing much of Wednesday’s win with lower left leg soreness, Thompson has been forced to adapt to new roles and lineups early in the season.
Kidd said he’s not worried about Thompson’s percentages because of the quality of the shots he’s getting.
“He’s getting open looks within the flow of the offense,” Kidd said. “For us, that’s exactly what we want — those shots are going to fall.”
Even with his early struggles, Thompson continues to command defensive attention. Opponents rarely help off him, which has opened driving lanes for guards like Brandon Williams and D’Angelo Russell, and provided room for rookie forward Cooper Flagg to operate in the midrange. Kidd and his coaching staff have pointed to that gravity as a reminder that Thompson’s impact extends far beyond the box score.
For Thompson, early-season cold spells are nothing new. Over his career, he’s endured streaky starts before rediscovering his form, often erupting with trademark hot shooting stretches that can change the course of a game or a week.
Dallas hopes that history repeats itself soon. Thompson’s quick release and spacing are central to the Mavericks’ long-term offensive plans, especially once the team regains full health.
The Mavericks will play their first road game of the season Saturday in Mexico City against the Detroit Pistons. For now, Kidd’s message remains the same — a vote of confidence in one of basketball’s all-time shooters.
“Shooters shoot,” Kidd said. “We trust Klay. When he finds his rhythm, everything else opens up for us.”