'Exorcise Those Demons': Klay Thompson Delivers Vintage Play-In Performance vs. Kings

After going 0-of-10 in the Warriors’ loss to the Kings in the 2023 play-in, Thompson turned the page in emphatic fashion. The four-time champion poured in 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, delivering a vintage performance just when Dallas needed it.

“It did feel good to exorcise those demons in here. Man!” Thompson said during his on-court interview with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt.

Thompson didn’t bring up last year’s disappointment with his Mavericks teammates — but he didn’t need to.

“We know,” said forward Anthony Davis, who finished with 27 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and four stitches in his upper lip. “We all watch basketball, and we know how tough it was for him losing here the last time as a Warrior. The way he played tonight, you can tell it was a lot of emotion for him, and he wanted to get this win. We wanted to get the win for him, so I’m glad he played well and glad we got the win.”

Klay Thompson Embraces Postseason Journey with Dallas Mavericks

Thompson’s breakout came after a scoreless first quarter. His second-quarter explosion helped Dallas seize control, part of a 44-19 run that defined the game. The Mavericks built a 71-48 halftime lead and never looked back.

Now, with the Kings eliminated and the Mavericks moving on, Dallas will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.

“I’m still alive. I’m excited,” Thompson said. “I get to go to Memphis. It was really fun tonight because you could just be fully immersed in the experience, and we’ve had a tumultuous season, to say the least. The injury bug has struck us like I’ve never seen before, but we’re still here playing postseason basketball.”

Thompson’s 13th and final season with the Warriors was mentally draining, marked by limited opportunities and a feeling of being phased out. Going scoreless in his last game with Golden State added to the emotional toll. But he refused to let that moment define his legacy.

“I wasn’t going to define myself off one bad shooting night,” Thompson said. “I mean, I’ve had some of the greatest shooting nights in the history of the game. So even someone in my caliber can go 0-for. … I try to not even think about that, but at times you do because you’re human. But you just keep going out there and do what you love.”

With 2,697 made 3-pointers, fifth-most in NBA history, Thompson is no stranger to proving himself on the biggest stages. On Wednesday night, he added one more to the reel — this time, with redemption in Sacramento.