Dallas Mavericks‘ recent 137-136 nail-biting victory over the New Orleans Pelicans highlighted more than just the team’s collective resilience—it underscored the importance of Klay Thompson’s evolving role within their system.

A young Dallas Mavericks fan on Saturday got hit in the face by an errant pass from Kyrie Irving. Irving tried to make a crosscourt pass with over four minutes left in the second quarter at American Airlines Center in Dallas,

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

Even without important pieces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dereck Lively II, both teams' role players simmered the beef between the ball clubs. The usually well-mannered Thunder were hit with multiple technical fouls. PJ Washington continued to poke the bear.

Klay Thompson finished the win with 20 points, four rebounds and one assist while shooting 7/15 from the field and 6/11 from the three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time. Many people reacted to his performance on social media.

Dallas Mavericks fans who spent their Monday evening at the American Airlines Center were blessed with an absolute masterpiece from Klay Thompson for the first 10 minutes of the game that they will never forget.