Within a flash, fortunes change. The Dallas Mavericks won a frenetic game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Overcoming a 15-point deficit, the Mavs strengthened their position to qualify for the NBA Cup knockout rounds. Luka Doncic spearheaded the charge yet again. However, amidst the wild celebrations at the American Airlines Center, some concerns did grow. Namely, Klay Thompson isn’t having his best stretch with the Mavericks.

Given this was only his first game since he had recovered from an injury, prior to playing against Memphis, he missed four straight games due to left foot plantar fasciitis. In his return to action, the former Warriors star didn’t have a night to savor. Mostly on minutes restriction, Thompson only added 4 points and 3 assists in the 20 minutes he did play.

That added to his devastating run since November, where Klay Thompson has only averaged 12.3 points on 35.6% from distance. It also included a 0-point game in a win against the Denver Nuggets. It was only the fifth time in his career and the first time since 2023 when he failed to record a point against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Internally, the Mavericks seem to have full faith in the veteran soldier. For the majority of his career, Klay Thompson has upheld a ridiculous standard of consistency. Moreover, no matter the personal struggles, defenses will always view him as a threat because of Thompson’s rare floor-stretching prowess.

However, the Mavericks fan base’s patience is being tested. They are after results from the man both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving believe is the ‘missing piece’ to a Mavericks championship.

Mavericks fans berate Klay Thompson

The Dallas fans did not enjoy Thompson’s somber performance against the Memphis Grizzlies. Given the importance placed on his contributions, they expect the 14-year veteran to deliver more often than not. However, after his recent string of performances, that hope is beginning to fade.

“The Mavericks have a Klay Thompson problem,” one fan wrote. Despite the bad nights, Thompson needs to receive support in what has been the roughest patch of his career. Adjusting to new surroundings is never easy. Furthermore, with the 34-year-old just returning from a foot injury, an underwhelming performance can be tolerated.

It’s unclear whether the four-time champion’s struggles or just injury management saw him on the bench in the clutch. However, some Mavericks fans are finding a term to be fitting. One such fan mentioned “Klay “end of the bench guy” Thompson has a nice ring to it ngl,”. While the sharpshooter did sit out the vital Mavericks turnaround, one bench scorer has been thriving. 

Spencer Dinwiddie came up huge in the Mavs’ late surge in the game. Still behind by one, the former Wizards guard hit back-to-back triples to give a comfortable cushion for the Mavs. He led all bench scorers with 16 points. It was also his fourth game in the last five in which, he has scored at least 15 points.

While he sat on the bench, fans loved Klay Thompson’s electric comeback. He put up three fingers and joined his teammates in celebration. But some suspect he has been up to something while on the bench with his teammates. “I just know Klay Thompson is whispering “I have 4 rings” in his teammates ears on the bench” a tweet read. 

The joke goes back to when Thompson was still with the Warriors. During another one of such difficult nights, he taunted Devin Booker with his championship resume. However, he later claimed to regret his actions, which stemmed from his own frustrations.

But for the Mavericks fanbase, these things don’t seem to matter at the moment. Having just been to the NBA Finals, the franchise’s followers believe they require a reliable contributor. Thompson has been erratic at times, and hence demand is growing strong. “Get Klay Thompson off the floor. WTF” is the echoed sentiment.

While anger from fans who want the organization to move forward is warranted, Thompson remains an integral part of the roster. If not for the regular season, Thompson brings greater postseason experience than any player on the Mavericks. Furthermore, once that rhythm does stick, Klay Thompson on a heater might be the most intimidating man on the floor.

Do you think Klay Thompson will regain his lethal rhythm? Let us know your views in the comments below.