Everyone On Mavs Is In Pain As Klay Thompson Makes Lofty Demand From Locker Room Ahead Of Do-Or-Die Play-In Game

Even before Klay Thompson created a stir as a half of the ‘Splash Brothers’ alongside Stephen Curry, he made his place at the collegiate level. In his freshman season in 2008, Klay averaged nearly 13 points per game for Washington State. Despite that, the Cougars finished the year with a 17-16 record and missed the NCAA tournament. This fate haunted Klay throughout his time in college.

In his sophomore season, Klay continued to improve, but the program finished one game over .500 for the second consecutive season, going 16-15. Coming back for his junior season, he erupted, being named All-Pac-10 first team while logging more than 21 points per game. But once again, that was not enough for the Cougars to attain the ultimate, as they finished 19-14. After Klay declared for the draft in the next season, it marked the beginning of a successful 13-year long career at the Golden State Warriors, which earned him four championship rings. But the champion’s mind was probably hungry for more.

However, a failed contract negotiation with the Warriors meant that it was set to unfold somewhere else. Klay had every reason to be a Laker. He grew up rooting for the Lakers, idolizing Kobe Bryant and his father Mychal Thompson, who is a Lakers player-turned-broadcaster. Even to this day, the senior Thompson is disappointed that Klay chose Dallas over LA. Just days back, he had major intel to share. Klay was almost set to join the Lakers. But phone calls from Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving changed it all. It sounds quite on point since Klay had all the praise for Luka during his introductory press conference for the Mavs.

“He was real gracious in defeat,” Klay said of Luka, referring to Golden State beating the Mavericks in the Western Conference finals two years ago. “I just appreciate someone who is not afraid of the moment and competes till the end. Luka fits that bill. I think we’ll be able to bring the best out of each other.” No words are needed to describe how far the dream has slipped away. From reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 to now scrambling for survival in the Play-In, being the 10th seed in the Western Conference wasn’t what he had signed up for. Still, one last shot is left to salvage the season. And the veteran sharpshooter wants this team to wake up—and fast. The Mavs crew was interviewed after the team’s recent practice session, and here was what Klay had to say:

“I look at it as a makeup for never playing in the NCAA tournament,” he said, considering the single-elimination format presents a win-or-go-home matchup against the Sacramento Kings. “So, I’m looking forward to going to Sacramento and having a great experience with my guys.” For Klay, it’s not about what the Mavericks didn’t accomplish this season—it’s about what they still can. Simply “having a great experience” is a lofty demand in itself. Especially when half of the team’s scorers are sidelined.

Along with Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, Anthony Davis, and Brandon Williams also hold a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. The same was highlighted by the Mavs’ Injury Report per ESPN. Kyrie Irving has been ‘OUT’ since early March. He had sustained a season-ending ACL injury. Olivier-Maxence Prosper was also sidelined around the same time after sustaining a right wrist injury and then undergoing surgery to treat the same. “I’ve never been a part of a season like this. (All you can do is) stay positive about it,” PJ Washington said on Monday.

However, Klay himself stayed remarkably healthy this season and played 72 games. This is quite an achievement, given Klay’s history of season-ending injuries in the past. So, he is still optimistic. “I mean, it was a goal, but it wasn’t my main goal,” said Klay Thompson on playing 72 games. “Main goal was to go back to the Finals and…. it’s still alive. For us, it’s just about a……. I mean, yeah, it was a good, it was a good achievement for me, especially with the injuries I endured, and to be have that so far in the past now is awesome”.

By securing the 10th seed, the Mavericks squad has gained a saving grace. The Play-In gives the team a path for the playoffs when it otherwise would have been nonexistent. Therefore, despite the current troubles, Thompson wants the team to do their best. As it turns out, he isn’t the only one.

Top Comment by DF5519

Klay Thompson is a Robin, no offense tended. He realizes he should have stayed with Golden State Warriors but allowed...more

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PJ Washington wants to cover for ‘hurting’ teammates

During the same post-practice presser, PJ Washington took some questions from the media. At the same time, he gave credit to the players who were present to cover for the injured players. Washington realizes this since he was plagued with knee and ankle injuries for a significant portion of the now-concluded NBA regular season. Now, the forward believed it was up to him and the others to cover for them in the upcoming game.

“Credit to those guys, I’m glad they had a great season, great, good, healthy season. So, we should have to be there for them, and just try to pick up the pace,” said Washington. “Obviously, post-season, everybody’s hurting a little bit since, so, just trying to basically leave it all on the floor. And there are no excuses.”

Washington himself missed the Mavs’ season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. Complications from his sprained left ankle came up again. Therefore, his availability status for the upcoming Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings is still under doubt. Given its importance, however, he might do his best to make it and motivate others to step up during the matchup too.