Klay Thompson showcased his exceptional shooting skills on January 26, 2025, during the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Washington Wizards, turning heads with his impressive scoring spree. Back after two games out due to injury, Thompson exploded for 21 points, shooting 7-for-10 from three-point range within the first ten minutes of play.
His hot start was invaluable to the Mavericks, who were eager to secure a win following disappointing performances, including a recent loss to the Boston Celtics. At the end of the first quarter, Thompson had outscored the Wizards 21-16, making his brief but potent performance even more astounding considering it accounted for nearly half of the Mavericks' total points.
According to Mavs PR, "Klay Thompson notched 7 3-pointers (7-10 3FG) for 21 points in the first quarter of tonight's game. He tied the franchise record for the most 3s in a quarter (Dončić, 7-10 3FG, Q1 vs. LAC, 2/10/22)." This not only highlights Thompson's skill but also the significance of this achievement, linking him to the Mavericks' recent history and underlining the potential of his impact on the team.
The Mavericks' strategy shifted with Thompson on the floor, showcasing the necessity of integrating him effectively, especially with star player Luka Dončić sidelined due to injury. Prior to this game, Thompson had seen limited involvement, averaging just over 7 points per game over the last five games, sparking confusion among fans about his low volume as he adapted after recovering from his ankle injury.
Despite the struggles, Thompson's ability to find the open look from three-point range was evident right from the start of the game against the Wizards. It became clear to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd just how important it was for the team to prioritize Thompson's touches early on. His sharp shooting allowed him to dictate the game, forcing the Wizards to adjust their defense.
On the other side of the court, the Wizards battled with their shooting, managing only 7 of 22 from the floor during the first quarter, which highlighted the stark difference between Thompson’s effectiveness and their offense. The Wizards were left scrambling as Thompson's scoring opened up options for the rest of his Mavericks teammates, who could capitalize on the unbalanced floor space created by his shooting threat.
Beyond just the record-tying performance, Thompson's outing marked his resurgence as one of the key offensive players for the Mavericks. He is now fifth on the all-time three-pointers list, having crossed the 2,600 threes mark earlier this season, showcasing his long-standing prowess from behind the arc.
The Mavericks are now faced with the challenge of maintaining this momentum, especially with injuries impacting their roster. Feeding Thompson early is likely to lead to more successful offensive plays, as his potential for involvement from beyond the arc not only sets him up for scoring but also creates opportunities for creativity on the offensive end.
"Klay Thompson was on fire from three 🔥 7 Threes in 1Q, can he go for his own record for most threes in a game? 👀," stated Bleacher Report, emphasizing the excitement surrounding what could happen as the game progressed. Such possibilities instill hope among Mavericks fans, invigorated by Thompson's high-energy performance and eagerness to reclaim his standing as one of the NBA’s elite shooters.
Moving forward, the Mavericks will need to adapt their gameplay to support Thompson effectively. Creating opportunities for him beyond simply relying on catch-and-shoot scenarios will be key. The team needs to mix their offensive strategies by incorporating off-ball actions to give Thompson the spacing necessary to exploit defenses fully. Following the match against the Wizards, Dallas is set to visit the New Orleans Pelicans, where maintaining Thompson's rhythm will be just as important.
With this performance, Thompson not only reaffirmed his role within the Dallas lineup but also reminded the basketball world of his explosive capabilities. If he can continue this level of play, the Mavericks may well find themselves inching closer to the playoff contention as they tackle the rest of the season without their leading star.