Klay Thompson's Benching Opens Door for Mavericks Rising Star
After head coach Jason Kidd’s decision to move Klay Thompson to a bench role, a young Mavericks player now has a promising chance to take a major step forward. The Dallas Mavericks suffered a rough loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, but Kidd’s change in the lineup may prove crucial for the team’s growth.
In the latest starting rotation, Kidd chose D'Angelo Russell over Thompson. The veteran guard handled the change professionally, contributing 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 4-of-7 shooting in just 21 minutes. His response showed both efficiency and resilience.
“Kidd proving he wasn’t reluctant to bench Thompson bodes well for Max Christie’s hopes of staying in the starting lineup, even when Kyrie Irving returns from injury.”
Max Christie has been one of the few consistent bright spots for Dallas this season. The 22-year-old guard’s offseason work has clearly paid off, as he looks much more confident and skilled. He attacks closeouts with composure, manages the ball efficiently in open space, and shoots just under 50 percent from beyond the arc.
Although maintaining that accuracy throughout the season may be difficult, Christie’s poise and adaptability stand out. His movement without the ball and cutting ability continue to help the Mavericks’ offense stay dynamic and fluid.
This recent game marked Christie’s fifth straight start since he replaced Dereck Lively II, who went down with a knee sprain following the team’s victory over the Toronto Raptors early in the season.
Author’s Summary
Jason Kidd’s decision to bench Klay Thompson has opened the door for Max Christie, who continues to impress with efficient shooting, sharp instincts, and growing confidence on the court.