Jason Kidd Reveals Klay Thompson's Honest Reaction to Losing Starting Role

Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd revealed Klay Thompson’s reaction to learning that he had lost his starting role. Thompson has undergone a steep decline over the last two seasons, going from 17.9 points per game in 2023-24 to 8.5 ppg in the 2025-26 season.

Wednesday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans marked the first time that he did not start for the Mavericks since joining the team in 2024. Dallas lost 99-101, but the four-time champion was efficient, finishing with 11 points, three assists and four rebounds, shooting 4-for-7.

After the game, Jason Kidd was asked about his changed starting lineup for Wednesday’s matchup. He discussed his conversation with Thompson about his new role, suggesting there's still the possibility of his return to the starting lineup.

“When we have a point guard on the floor, it’s been alright,” Kidd told the media. “I talked to Klay, I said, ‘This isn’t a permanent thing, but can you come off the bench?’ and he was good with it. Him coming off the bench gave us a spark.”

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D’Angelo Russell, who replaced Thompson as a starter, finished with nine points and three assists, shooting 3-for-10. Meanwhile, the other half of the backcourt, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, finished with 20 points and nine rebounds.

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Steph Curry compliments Klay Thompson’s shooting form amid shooting slump

Golden State Warriors guard Steph Curry complimented his former teammate Klay Thompson, who is in one of the worst shooting slumps of his 15-year career. Thompson shoots 41% from 3-point range for his career, but is recording 29.2% on six attempts this season.

Regardless of his struggles, Steph Curry gave a glowing assessment of Thompson's shooting form on Tuesday’s episode of LeBron James and Steve Nash’s “Mind the Game” podcast.

“I would teach Klay’s form to anybody who says, ‘hey, how do I shoot the basketball?’ Clips of Klay,” Curry said. “That’s freaking perfect. 10 out of 10. No notes.”

Klay Thompson is showing signs of life after shooting 50% from 3-point range during Wednesday's game. While a new role feels like a demotion, he could thrive, as he can still lift the offense with limited touches.

The Mavericks are 2-6 and will look to break their three-game losing streak against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.

Edited by Sameer Khan