Instant Reactions: Klay Thompson’s 21 points not enough as Hawks top Mavericks

Klay Thompson drove to the rim and, with two defenders on him, switched hands in midair to score the basket.

But that arguably wasn’t his best play of the night.

With the Atlanta Hawks’ Zaccharie Risacher looking to block his shot, Thompson threw the ball to a teammate while in midair, then relocated for a 3-pointer while Risacher was still coming down from his block attempt.

Thompson, one of the best movement shooters in NBA history, finished with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. He was aided by Khris Middleton, who added 16 points, and Daniel Gafford, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

But Cooper Flagg went 6-of-16 (38%) from the field, and the Mavericks lost 124-112 to the Atlanta Hawks.

Flagg is now 27-of-78 (35%) from the field since returning from a left midfoot sprain that cost him a chance to participate in his first All-Star Weekend. It also may have cost him an opportunity to win Rookie of the Year, with Hornets guard Ron Knueppel having one of the best offensive rookie seasons of all time.

He will have a chance to bounce back against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday.