Mavericks' Klay Thompson embrace bench role amid early season struggles | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 18:29 GMT by Sporting News

Early‑Season Turmoil

In the Warriors’ first four games, the franchise struggled to find its rhythm. The team fell to the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Philadelphia 76ers before narrowly losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The results left Golden State mired in a 1‑3 slump, a stark contrast to the championship‑winning record the team had built over the past decade. Analysts note that injuries, a compressed schedule, and the loss of several key contributors—most notably the return of Draymond Green from a COVID‑19 protocol and the limited availability of Andrew Wiggins—have contributed to the inconsistent performance.

A crucial factor in the early-season difficulties has been the Warriors’ bench production. In the four games, the bench averaged just 32 points, the lowest among the league’s top 12 teams. This lack of depth has forced head coach Steve Kerr to shuffle the lineup frequently, attempting to find a mix that can sustain the team’s offensive pace while providing adequate defense. The situation has placed the veterans on a steep learning curve, especially those returning from significant absences.

Klay Thompson’s Return

Klay Thompson’s return to the Warriors after a two‑year hiatus marked a turning point in the narrative of the team’s early-season woes. Thompson, who missed the entire 2021‑22 season due to a torn ACL and a torn meniscus, and the 2022‑23 season due to a knee injury, finally made his homecoming on the opening night against the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors’ front office and coaching staff had been eager to see Thompson’s shooting touch and veteran leadership, but the immediate reality was a cautious deployment.

In his first game back, Thompson logged 17 minutes, scoring 20 points on a 9‑of‑17 shooting performance that included a clutch three‑pointer with 1:45 remaining. Though his minutes were limited, the points came at a critical juncture; the Warriors were down 88‑89 and needed a spark from the bench. Coach Kerr praised Thompson’s contribution in a post‑game interview: “Klay’s impact is beyond the numbers. He knows how to come in, give the ball a good shot, and let the team know that he’s there.”

However, as the season progressed, the Warriors’ rotations began to feel more restrictive. With Stephen Curry averaging 27.3 points in the first four games and a healthy Andrew Wiggins adding 20.2 points, the coaching staff felt compelled to give Thompson more minutes to compensate for his own shooting slump and to ensure that the Warriors’ defensive rotation remained tight. Despite this, Thompson’s minutes were often capped at 22–24 per game, placing him in a bench‑only capacity.

The Bench Role: A Tactical Decision

Klay Thompson’s acceptance of a bench role was not merely a concession; it was a tactical decision aligned with the Warriors’ broader strategy. Thompson’s primary contribution as a bench player is his “outside shooter” capability, a skill that has been a hallmark of the Warriors’ offensive identity for years. By playing off the ball and spacing the floor, he forces opposing defenders to extend, creating driving lanes for Curry and Green.

Kurt Russell’s comment during a Warriors’ practice session illustrates this philosophy: “Klay, you’re the guy that can change a defense. We just want you to find those hot spots and get the ball into the right hands.” Thompson responded by acknowledging the adjustment: “It’s hard to come off the bench. I know you’re used to being the go‑to guy. But the game’s changed. I’ve always played for the team.”

The bench role also affords Thompson a platform to maintain his conditioning. After a two‑year hiatus, the Warriors’ medical staff emphasized the importance of gradual reintegration to avoid re‑injuring his knee. By limiting his minutes, Thompson can focus on precision shooting while staying fresh for potential playoff stretches.

Bench Depth in the NBA

The Warriors’ bench struggles are not unique; many teams have reported issues with depth in the early season. According to a recent NBA.com analysis of bench scoring, the league average for bench points in the first month of the season stands at 38.4, with the Warriors trailing by 6.2 points. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks—a team that faced a similar early‑season adjustment—averaged 41.8 bench points, underscoring the Warriors’ need for improvement.

Linked to the article is a preview of the Mavericks vs. Warriors matchup on the NBA’s official site. The preview highlights the Warriors’ early-season struggles and their strategy to rely on bench contributions. It also features a statistical comparison of the Warriors’ and Mavericks’ bench performances, underscoring the importance of depth as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead

The Warriors’ current trajectory suggests that the early‑season challenges will persist until the bench deepens and the rotations stabilize. With Thompson’s bench role serving as a bridge to a more flexible lineup, the team is hoping to mitigate injury risks and create a cohesive unit that can adapt to the league’s evolving style.

As the season unfolds, the Warriors’ management is reportedly evaluating trade options to bolster their bench, particularly focusing on acquiring a reliable third‑quarter scorer. Simultaneously, Klay Thompson’s continued adaptation to his role will be monitored closely; if his shooting efficiency remains high, he could become a pivotal factor in the Warriors’ push toward a playoff berth.

In summary, the Warriors’ early-season struggles and Klay Thompson’s embrace of a bench role illustrate the complexities of rebuilding a championship‑level team after significant injury setbacks. The team’s strategy revolves around maximizing Thompson’s shooting prowess while navigating the challenges of bench depth—a balancing act that will determine their success in the months to come.