Klay Thompson scores 19 points, adds four triples

Apparently, all Thompson needed to gain some semblance of consistency was to hit the road. He’s scored at least 19 points in three of the first four games of Miami’s five-game road trip, which concludes on Tuesday against the Jazz. On Sunday, Thompson shot 7-of-13 from beyond the arc, the third time this season he’s made at least that many triples in a game. Klay remains mainly a points and three-pointers option in fantasy leagues, but his assists and blocks were also solid against the Kings.

Thompson had his best game of the season on Wednesday, shooting 8-of-17 from beyond the arc. His last three-pointer was the most important, as the Heat guard/forward hit one from the left corner with one second remaining in overtime to give Miami the win. Inconsistent in his first five games, Thompson has scored at least 19 points in three straight. Could he be returning to fantasy relevance? The Heat play two more games this week, so it may not be a bad time to stream Klay if you need three-pointers.

Entering Friday, Thompson was shooting 31.7 percent from the field and 32.1 percent from three. To say a night like Friday was needed would be an understatement. Against the Pacers, Thompson shot 7-of-12 from beyond the arc, and 25 points is the most he has scored in a game since January 15, as a member of the Mavericks. With neither Giannis Antetokounmpo nor Bam Adebayo offering much perimeter shooting as Miami’s top two offensive options, Thompson needs to hit shots consistently. Friday’s 145-point outburst showed what can happen when he and the other Heat shooters are productive.

Following a rough shooting performance against the Pistons on Friday, Thompson was able to find his shot in this one. He set season highs for points and three-pointers, though it wasn’t enough for them to get their first win of the season. For now, Thompson should continue to start and provide floor spacing. If you’re looking for production outside of triples, it’s best to look elsewhere.

After making two of his three three-point attempts and scoring six points in the first quarter, Thompson did not provide much value in his official Heat debut. While starting was a positive for the veteran guard, he played just 16 minutes. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. (three points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one three-pointer) logged 18 minutes off the bench. Outside of deep leagues where you need three-pointers, you gain little by rostering Thompson.

Blocked shots have never been a huge part of Thompson’s game, so there’s no need to read into his performance against the Pelicans. However, it was good to see the veteran sharpshooter active on the defensive end of the floor. Thompson hasn’t shot well in Miami’s first two preseason games, but starting gives him a chance to return to fantasy relevance in 2026-27.

With a starting lineup that includes two limited perimeter shooters, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, the Heat clearly need players who can provide spacing. They signed Hardaway for that reason, and he had an excellent preseason debut on Saturday. The veteran guard didn’t miss a shot from the field, making all three of his three-point attempts. Klay Thompson (zero points, two rebounds in 13 minutes) was the fifth starter, but it’s unknown if that will hold once the regular season begins. Regardless of what Erik Spoelstra decides, Hardaway could have value for managers in deeper leagues seeking three-point production.

Antetokounmpo’s Heat preseason debut is Miami’s biggest storyline, but Thompson’s fifth-man role also merits mention. He came off the bench for most of his two seasons in Dallas, which may have contributed to the veteran sharpshooter’s failure to provide consistent fantasy value. Thompson is one player expected to provide the perimeter shooting that Miami needs to keep the paint somewhat clear for Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. That would also enhance Thompson’s fantasy outlook, making him a player worth selecting in the latter rounds of standard league drafts.

Thompson’s departure from the Mavericks comes with a price. However, the veteran sharpshooter will now move on to the next chapter of his career, which will reportedly be with the Miami Heat. In joining the Heat, Thompson would likely come off the bench and play an important floor-spacing role for a team that could use all the three-point shooting possible. Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3 percent from deep last season with Dallas.

Shortly after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Thompson had reached a buyout agreement with Dallas, Shams dropped the news that Thompson was headed to South Beach. Thompson’s final season in Dallas was forgettable, but he’s still an elite shooter, which is exactly what the Heat need to build this team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is a chance that Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo, though he should play a significant role regardless. Pelle Larsson may take on a smaller role than anticipated with Thompson in town.