Klay Thompson Responds to Being Benched by Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Klay Thompson came off the bench for the first time since joining the team in their 101–99 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Thompson expressed that he was comfortable with the change and remains optimistic about the future.
"I don't mind," Thompson told The Dallas Morning News. "I know it is."
Coach Jason Kidd praised Thompson's impact despite the lineup adjustment. "I thought him coming off the bench gave us a spark," Kidd said.
Lineup Adjustments and Thompson’s Role
Thompson, who will turn 36 in February, is currently averaging 8.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and shooting 29.2% from three-point range this season.
Kidd explained he had a conversation with Thompson about the bench role prior to the game, stating,
"'This isn't a permanent thing, but can you come off the bench?' And he was good with it."
With D'Angelo Russell starting at point guard and rookie Cooper Flagg moving to small forward, Thompson was asked to serve as a reserve.
Career Context
Over his NBA career spanning 873 games, Thompson has started in 821 of them, making this bench role a notable shift.
Author’s summary: Klay Thompson accepts his new bench role with the Mavericks positively, seeing it as a temporary adjustment and staying confident about his contributions ahead.