How Klay Thompson Could Heat Up For Mavericks With Luka Doncic Injured
When the Dallas Mavericks acquired Klay Thompson in a blockbuster sign-and-trade last summer, they envisioned him as the perfect floor-spacing complement to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Yet, Thompson's first few months in Dallas have been a rollercoaster. After a promising 22-point debut, inconsistency plagued his performance, and his production dipped below expectations through the early part of the season.
Now, with Luka Doncic sidelined by a left calf strain, the stage is set for Thompson to step into a more prominent scoring role—and history suggests he's ready for the moment.
Nov 19, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) drives to the basket past New Orleans Pelicans guard Javonte Green (4) during the second half at the American Airlines Center.
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Over the years, January has been Thompson's time to shine. From his Golden State Warriors dynasty days to his recent seasons post-injury, Thompson has consistently elevated his play once the calendar flips:
- January 2015: 25.9 PPG, 49.1 percent 3PT
- January 2016: 24.3 PPG, 43.1 percent 3PT
- January 2017: 19.8 PPG, 41.3 percent 3PT
- January 2018: 19.3 PPG, 46.9 percent 3PT
- January 2019: 23.9 PPG, 47.5 percent 3PT
Even in recent years, the trend held steady. Thompson averaged 20 points on 40.5 percent shooting from three in January 2024 and 27 points on 43.1 percent shooting in January 2023.
With Doncic on the sidelines, the Mavericks need Thompson to channel that January firepower. Kyrie Irving has proven he can carry the load, but Dallas thrives when it has a secondary scorer who can erupt on any given night.
As the Mavericks head into 2025 sitting at 20-13, their playoff seeding hinges on their ability to maintain momentum without their Slovenian star. Thompson's recent confidence in Dallas's system and his historical January brilliance could be the difference-maker.
If Thompson can find his rhythm and unleash his trademark shooting touch, Dallas might not just weather Doncic's absence—they could come out of January stronger than ever.
