Klay Thompson keeps it 100% real to the frustration of Dallas fans

The Dallas Mavericks they learn the hard way that life after Luka Dončić brings many hardships. The fans made sure the team heard it too. Two games into the 2025-26 season, the energy at American Airlines Center has shifted from hopeful to hostile. Even a future Hall of Famer like Klay Thompson it faces the full weight of criticism. After yet another disheartening defeat, the goalscorer addressed the team’s struggles and the fans’ backlash with refreshing honesty.

The Mavericks stumbled out of the gate in the 2025-26 NBA season. They fell to 0-2 after two difficult home outings. Their revamped lineup featuring Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis still hasn’t caught on. Dallas opened the season with a loss 125-92 to Victor Vembanyama and the Spurs. They then blew a 14-point lead in the first half before falling 117-107 to the Washington Wizards. Injuries to Daniel Gafford and Kyrie Irving slowed the team’s offense. They looked flat and inconsistent. As they prepare for their next game against the Toronto Raptors, the Mavericks must find a way to get their first win.

After the Wizards loss, fans expressed their anger. They chanted, “Down with Nobody” according to the general manager Nico Harrison. Thompson, who scored eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, openly addressed the criticism, via ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

“You have to give them something to root for,” he said. “I’ve got to give them something to cheer for. That’s the nature of the game, man. I’ve been there. I was a fan for 20 years before I got into the NBA. I would definitely criticize the players. We deserve a lot of criticism. We’re the ones who do.”

yes, Flagg and the others ignored the fan noise. That said, Thompson faced it head on and spoke with responsibility. He refused to deny or minimize his anger.

“There’s always an urgency,” Thompson said. “It’s embarrassing, especially for me (after) talking about the preseason for the championship. But there’s only one way out – we stick together, get better and work harder every day.”

Thompson’s transparency can hopefully breathe life into a franchise still searching for direction. His words should challenge his teammates and front office to respond with the same sincerity and intensity. The Mavericks fouled out early. However, if they use Thompson’s determination, they can turn frustration into fire. Maybe they can even silence those victory chants.