Klay Thompson Shows Off Skills Outside the Court at Long Beach Dive Bar

Klay Thompson is best known as one of the most iconic three-point shooters in NBA history, a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion. But during the offseason, the Dallas Mavericks guard reminded everyone that his competitive fire doesn’t dim when he’s away from the hardwood. In a lighthearted but telling offseason moment, Thompson was spotted at a dive bar, showing off his skills at the pool table and proving that he can sink shots in just about any setting.

The video, shared by Legion Hoops, quickly went viral, not just because of his surprising pool table prowess, but also because it reflected so much of what makes Klay Thompson a unique star. Even in casual moments, he blends competitiveness with charisma, offering a glimpse into the mindset that has helped him carve out a Hall of Fame career.

Klay Thompson Dominates a Dive Bar Pool Game

The scene was classic offseason Klay. Surrounded by a small group of fans and locals, the 35-year-old veteran took his place at the pool table, dressed casually in a Tennessee Titans jersey. When his opponent narrowly missed a shot, Thompson stepped up with trademark calmness. With the crowd watching closely, he drilled back-to-back shots, securing the win and sending the room into cheers.

Never one to shy away from playful banter, Thompson celebrated with a grin and a bold proclamation: “Who next!” The moment captured the spirit of Klay — relaxed yet competitive, approachable yet intimidating in any contest.

Afterward, he delivered one of his classic lighthearted quotes, mixing sports references with humor: “Titans might have lost today, but I’m winning in life because I’m 1-1 on the billiards table. I ain’t leaving here with… an L. I’m going home with a W.”

It wasn’t just about pool. It was another window into the personality that fans across the NBA have adored for over a decade.

Captain Klay and His Off-Court Identity

Klay Thompson has always been more than just a basketball player. Over the years, fans have gotten to know his off-court passions, which range from reading to sailing. In fact, his deep love for the ocean has earned him the nickname “Captain Klay.”

During his emotional return to San Francisco last season when the Mavericks faced the Golden State Warriors, fans in the Bay Area honored his boating lifestyle by handing out captain’s hats. It was a lighthearted tribute to the man who once helped lead the Warriors to dynasty status and who continues to bring authenticity to everything he does.

Now, with his billiards display, Klay has added another hobby to the public list — proving that his eye-hand coordination and steady nerves translate well beyond the three-point line.

From Golden State to Dallas: A New Chapter

When Klay Thompson left the Golden State Warriors after the 2023-24 season, it marked the end of one of the most iconic runs in modern NBA history. As part of the “Splash Brothers” alongside Stephen Curry, Thompson revolutionized basketball, redefining the three-point shot’s importance in the game. Four championships and countless records later, he embarked on a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks.

His first season in Dallas, however, wasn’t without challenges. The Mavericks battled injuries and inconsistencies, ultimately finishing in the NBA Play-In Tournament, where they fell short of booking a playoff berth. Still, Thompson’s presence brought leadership, shooting, and championship experience to a franchise hungry for postseason success.

Now entering his second season with Dallas, Thompson is determined to help elevate the team into true playoff contention.

Why Thompson Still Matters for the Mavericks

The Mavericks are led by Luka Dončić, one of the league’s brightest superstars, and Kyrie Irving, a proven championship guard in his own right. Adding Klay Thompson to the mix gave Dallas one of the most skilled offensive trios in the league. But for the Mavericks to make real progress, Thompson’s role is crucial.

His ability to space the floor with elite three-point shooting opens up driving lanes for Dončić and Irving. His playoff experience and calmness under pressure give Dallas a steadying presence in high-stakes games. And while injuries have slowed him in recent years, his shooting mechanics remain as pure as ever.

For a Mavericks team that wants to rise in a loaded Western Conference, having Klay Thompson healthy and productive could make the difference between another Play-In disappointment and a deep playoff run.

Offseason Moments, On-Court Mentality

What makes Klay Thompson’s offseason pool game moment so telling is that it reflects a larger truth: he is always a competitor. Whether on the biggest stage in the NBA Finals or at a dive bar billiards table, his instincts are the same. He plays to win, but he does it with joy, humor, and personality.

That attitude is infectious. Younger players see it and follow his lead. Fans love it because it makes him relatable, reminding everyone that even one of the greatest shooters in history has casual, goofy, human moments. And for the Mavericks, it’s exactly the kind of mentality they need as they push for playoff redemption.

Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 NBA Season

The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations. Last year’s Play-In exit left the organization hungry, and with Klay Thompson now fully settled into his role alongside Dončić and Irving, the team believes this could be the season they break through.

The Western Conference remains as tough as ever, with Denver, Minnesota, Phoenix, and the defending champion Golden State Warriors all standing in the way. But Dallas has the firepower, and more importantly, the leadership and veteran savvy that Thompson brings.

If he can stay healthy and consistently provide the kind of shooting he’s known for, Klay Thompson could prove to be the X-factor that finally helps Dallas make noise in the postseason.

The Bottom Line

From dive bars to the NBA’s brightest arenas, Klay Thompson continues to remind fans why he’s one of the most beloved players in the game. His offseason pool game victory wasn’t just a funny viral clip — it was a reflection of his competitive DNA, the same drive that has made him a champion and one of the most feared shooters in basketball history.

As the Mavericks prepare for the upcoming season, that spirit will be as important as his jump shot. Dallas fans are hoping that the same man who shouted “Who next!” at a dive bar pool table will be shouting it again in May and June — this time after knocking out Western Conference rivals on the way to a long-awaited playoff run.