Klay Thompson reminded everyone why he’s one of the NBA’s all-time sharpshooters. Rumors swirled that the four-time champ was losing his edge, but his Dallas Mavericks debut told a different story. Thompson dominated, hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc and racking up 22 points. At 34, he’s out to make a serious impact with his new team, earning praise from none other than Stephen A. Smith.

We usually find the ESPN veteran a bit more critical than other analysts. This might be because of the number of years, he’s been in the industry. But, Stephen A. Smith expressed his honest opinions on the Klay Thompson Show against the San Antonio Spurs. And therefore, it means, the ex-Warriors giant was indeed impressive. Well, sending one 3-pointer after another in the American Airlines Center is undoubtedly iconic. Speaking on First Take, Smith made an eye-opening take on Thompson’s game and presence at the Dallas Mavericks.

“There are very few shooters in NBA history that can do what this brother has done on an off-year. On an off-year, he was still better than 95% of the three-point shooters in the NBA,” he said about the Mavs’ new sharpshooter. “This brother being in Dallas, with Luka, with Kyrie, to see that Klay Thompson – if that Klay Thompson is there showing up on a night-in, night-out basis with his shot, that changes some things for Dallas.“

Thus, clearing the clouds of doubts and disappointments from the past, Klay Thompson became the man of the moment for his new team. His performance also seems to have removed Stephen A. Smith‘s previous skepticism about the whole shooting system in Dallas. Well, their 2023/24 Finals against the Boston Celtics had indeed exposed where the team was lacking. And according to the veteran analyst, Captain Klay will be filling the void, further solidifying the team.

Klay Thompson’s shooting skills will change “some things” for Dallas: Stephen A. Smith

Smith pointed out that last year the Dallas Mavericks lacked in defensive prowess. He said that Luca Doncic couldn’t go defensive all the time and Kyrie Irving’s “miniature size” could only limit his actions. Thus, going up against a team like the Boston Celtics, they lacked someone who could hit parameter shots. But, now with Klay Thompson on the team, the tables are turning. The NBA ranks the five-time All-Star as its sixth-best shooter, and after last night, it’s clear why.

Thus, Stephen A. Smith believes Klay Thompson could change some things for the Mavericks. Moreover, the ex-Dubs icon set a 3-point history in his debut game. This performance will surely erase the bitter memories of the Dallas Mavericks being overwhelmed by the C’s in the NBA finals. The analyst had tweeted on June 18, stating: “Hitting 3’s. Getting uncontested layups. Actually sad to watch. Expected at least a fight. Never got it.” But, now, the heartbreak of the past seems to be fixed, all thanks to Klay Thompson.

The excitement and joy Stephen A. Smith exuded while talking about Thompson’s Mavs debut shows the impact he’s had in the game. Well, he has three years to be around, and surely, a champion material of his sort could assist Doncic and Irving in putting Dallas back as championship contenders. “He’s not the same player anymore” might now sound like a distant past. Captain Klay is at Dallas to prove he’s not over yet, and Smith has just vouched for it.