Klay Thompson

Even in a lesser role, the world knew that Klay Thompson wasn’t lying in mid-November, when he reasoned that one “explosive night” was all he needed to settle into a vintage groove. As the scent of smoke began to fill the air through hot-shooting performances soon thereafter, the stage appeared perfectly set for a “fireworks show” on his old stomping grounds during December 15, 2024’s battle. Bordering on unstoppable from downtown throughout Round Two against the Golden State Warriors, Thompson discreetly strides the floor after Stephen Curry’s turnover, hoping to put a finishing touch on the Dallas Mavericks’ victory. Fully within view of his all-seeing superstar, Thompson buries a crowd-quieting triple, elevating Dallas’ late-game lead to 10. A measure of getback followed closely behind for Thompson, whose Mavericks fell one bucket shy of triumph in November’s nationally-televised duel. Turning the clock back entirely, the five-time All-Star finished with 29 points (on 9-of-14 shooting), alongside five rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block, and seven 3-pointers.