One year after enduring one of the lowest moments of his career in Sacramento, Klay Thompson returned to the same court and rewrote the script and this time as the hero in Dallas’ 120-106 win over the Kings to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Thompson poured in 16 of his 23 points during a stunning second quarter that flipped the play-in clash on its head. His four 3-pointers powered a 44-point frame, erasing the ghosts of last year’s 0-for-10 showing in a Warriors jersey. Redemption came fast, and with it, a lifeline for the Mavericks.
It’s been a turbulent season in Dallas. The blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and brought Anthony Davis in return split the fanbase. Then, with Kyrie Irving’s season-ending knee injury, any momentum seemed lost.
But against Sacramento, it all clicked. Davis anchored the Mavs with 27 points, while Thompson’s hot hand and a swarming defense buried the Kings early. By halftime, Dallas led by 23 and never looked back.
For Sacramento, it was another grim chapter. DeMar DeRozan’s 33 points weren’t enough to mask the chaos of a season that included firing Mike Brown and trading De’Aaron Fox. Missing the playoffs for the 18th time in 19 years, they now face another rebuild.
Dallas, meanwhile, moves on to face Memphis for the West’s final playoff spot. The season may have been chaotic, but the Mavericks aren’t done yet.
