Klay Thompson discovered himself relegated to the bench Wednesday night time because the Dallas Mavericks made their first main lineup change of the season.

The four-time NBA champion was changed within the beginning 5 by D’Angelo Russell following a dismal begin that has seen his capturing percentages plummet to profession lows.

The 35-year-old guard’s numbers inform a troubling story for the Dallas group. Thompson is averaging simply 8.1 factors per sport whereas capturing 31.8% from the sphere and a regarding 26.2% from three-point vary by the group’s first seven contests.

These marks symbolize important drops from his profession averages and have contributed to the Mavericks’ disappointing 2-6 begin.

Dallas coach Jason Kidd’s resolution to maneuver Thompson to a reserve position paid fast dividends in Wednesday’s 101-99 loss to New Orleans.

Coming off the bench, Thompson contributed 11 factors in 21 minutes whereas capturing 57.1% from the sphere and connecting on 50% of his six three-point makes an attempt.

Thompson informed The Dallas Morning Information that he didn’t thoughts coming off of the bench if it meant serving to his group win.

“I don’t thoughts. I’m going to play. I’m gonna do nice issues. That’s coming. I do know it’s,” Thompson mentioned. “I might be higher,” he mentioned. “It’s going to be higher, too. I promise. Particularly myself.”

Nevertheless, the benching has sparked arguments amongst Mavericks followers, with many pointing fingers at Thompson’s relationship with Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion as inflicting the issue.

Social media has been flooded with commentary about what followers are calling “The Stallion Impact.”

“Want meg gtf away from Klay Thompson bro,” one person mentioned, whereas one other wrote: “Klay Thompson ain’t pondering bout s##t however that ass bouncing spherical on the crib.”

The connection between Thompson and the Houston-born artist has been extremely publicized all through 2025.

The pair have thrown up social posts displaying them figuring out collectively and up to date stories counsel they’ve bought a house collectively within the Dallas space.

“I’m receiving love manner higher than I ever have in life, which might be why the person that I’ve now has got here into my life, ’trigger I used to be able to have him. I’m nonetheless doing scorching lady stuff. However I really like him,” Megan Thee Stallion mentioned of Klay in a latest interview.

Thompson signed a three-year, $50 million contract with Dallas in 2023 after spending his whole profession with Golden State.

The transfer was anticipated to supply the ultimate piece for a championship-caliber roster following the Mavericks’ NBA Finals look in 2024.

As a substitute, Thompson has struggled to seek out his rhythm in a brand new system.

His capturing woes have been significantly pronounced, because the participant as soon as often called half of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry has failed to copy his legendary long-range accuracy.

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