Klay Thompson Finds His Touch as Mavericks Grind Out Road Win

Klay Thompson entered the 2025–26 season with the pedigree of a future Hall of Famer but also the burden of an uncharacteristically cold start. Long known as one of the NBA’s most reliable perimeter threats, Thompson struggled to establish rhythm through the early weeks, raising questions about whether age and injuries had finally dulled his once-elite shooting touch. Over the past several games, however, he has begun to resemble the player who helped define an era of three-point efficiency.

That resurgence continued Saturday night, when Thompson delivered 23 points and connected on six of his 10 attempts from deep in the Dallas Mavericks’ 114–110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. His performance came at a time when Dallas, weighed down by injuries and inconsistent play, needed veteran stability more than ever. And Thompson, despite battling physical discomfort, chose to take the floor in the second game of a back-to-back.

Dallas entered the matchup shorthanded and struggling to escape the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Yet Thompson’s presence, combined with standout rookie production, shifted the tone of a game that could have easily slipped away from a depleted roster. His willingness to play through fatigue and reclaim his shooting form became a central storyline in an otherwise uphill season.

As the Mavericks continue searching for traction, Thompson’s improved rhythm offers a rare bright spot—and perhaps a sign of steadier days ahead for a team still trying to build an identity.

1. Thompson’s Return to Form

Thompson acknowledged after the game that he sensed a performance like this was overdue. After weeks of uneven shooting, he was determined to win back momentum and remind both himself and his team that he could still influence outcomes with his perimeter accuracy. He emphasized his desire to be available, even on nights when rest might have been the safer option. His decision to play came only hours after being listed as out for the Clippers matchup. Once re-evaluated, he was upgraded to available, a shift that proved vital. Without him, Dallas would have entered the contest without another reliable floor spacer or veteran shot-maker to ease pressure on a young, undermanned roster. Thompson’s recent stretch—averaging 14.6 points on better than 43 percent shooting from three over his last five games—suggests that his shooting mechanics and confidence are aligning again. For a team with limited offensive consistency, his timely reawakening could help stabilize Dallas’ perimeter attack as the season progresses. Even at 35, Thompson showed he still has the timing, discipline, and competitive edge that made him one of the league’s most feared shooters. His role may be smaller, but his impact remains meaningful.

2. Flagg Leads a Youthful Charge

While Thompson’s revival drew headlines, rookie forward Cooper Flagg delivered the night’s most dominant performance. The 18-year-old phenom scored a game-high 35 points and added eight rebounds, continuing a rookie campaign already rich with standout moments. His blend of scoring aggression, athleticism, and composure again positioned him as the focal point of Dallas’ offense. Flagg’s contributions were particularly critical given the team’s absences. Without Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and several rotational players, Dallas leaned heavily on Flagg’s ability to generate his own offense and punish mismatches. His relentless scoring helped Dallas maintain control during crucial stretches when the Clippers threatened to rally. The chemistry between Flagg and Thompson showed encouraging signs as well. Thompson’s gravity opened driving lanes and relieved defensive attention, while Flagg’s playmaking created clean perimeter looks for his veteran teammate. The pairing offered a glimpse of a potential foundation Dallas could build on as the season evolves. As Flagg continues adjusting to NBA speed, performances like Saturday’s reinforce his growing confidence and the organization’s belief in his long-term ceiling.

3. A Win with Wider Implications

Dallas’ 6–15 record reflects the inconsistency that has defined the team’s first month, but Saturday’s victory carried symbolic weight beyond the standings. It demonstrated resilience in the face of injuries and adversity, as well as a willingness from both young players and veterans to shoulder responsibilities outside their comfort zones. For head coach and staff, the win also provided evidence that the current roster—however incomplete—can compete when its core contributors are engaged defensively and disciplined offensively. The team’s ability to overcome the Clippers on the road despite missing multiple stars may help reset expectations internally. Thompson’s decision to play, even when feeling under the weather, also resonated within the locker room. His leadership by example underscored a commitment to helping guide a young roster through a turbulent start. That mentality, paired with Flagg’s breakthrough performances, gives Dallas a foundation of accountability and optimism that has been hard to maintain during its early struggles. The Mavericks now turn their attention to a tough matchup against the Denver Nuggets, where Thompson will aim to extend his renewed shooting rhythm and Flagg will look to continue his rapid growth.