Klay Thompson discovered himself relegated to the bench Wednesday evening 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 crew. Thompson is averaging simply 8.1 factors per recreation whereas capturing 31.8% from the sector and a regarding 26.2% from three-point vary by way of the crew’s first seven contests.

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

Dallas coach Jason Kidd’s choice to maneuver Thompson to a reserve position paid rapid 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 sector and connecting on 50% of his six three-point makes an attempt.

Thompson advised The Dallas Morning News that he didn’t thoughts coming off of the bench if it meant serving to his crew win.

“I don’t mind. I’m going to play. I’m gonna do great things. That’s coming. I know it is,” Thompson mentioned. “I can be better,” he mentioned. “It’s going to be better, too. I promise. Especially myself.”

However, 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 Effect.”

“Need meg gtf away from Klay Thompson bro,” one consumer mentioned, whereas one other wrote: “Klay Thompson ain’t thinking bout s##t but that ass bouncing round at the crib.”

The relationship 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 way better than I ever have in life, which is probably why the man that I have now has came into my life, ’cause I was ready to have him. I’m still doing hot girl stuff. But I love him,” Megan Thee Stallion said of Klay in a recent 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 offer the ultimate piece for a championship-caliber roster following the Mavericks’ NBA Finals look in 2024.

Instead, 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 generally known as half of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry has failed to duplicate his legendary long-range accuracy.

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