There’s a first time for everything. The Dallas Mavericks played in their first NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Wednesday. The Mavericks hoped to get physical to extend their season — and they did. The Mavericks defeated the Kings 120-106 in the capital of California.
Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 1 assist. Klay Thompson followed with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. PJ Washington Jr. added 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Brandon Williams had 17 points and 5 assists. Dante Exum scored 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists. Naji Marshall recorded 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Daniel Gafford tallied 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings Recap
The Dallas Mavericks ruled out Kyrie Irving with left knee surgery and Olivier-Maxence Prosper with right wrist surgery. The Sacramento Kings ruled out Jake LaRavia with a left thumb incomplete scaphoid fracture and Malik Monk with a left calf strain.
The Mavericks’ starting lineup featured Klay Thompson, Naji Marshall, PJ Washington Jr., Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. The Kings’ starting lineup featured Domantas Sabonis, Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Keegan Murray.
Both teams jumped out to a fast start to open the first quarter. Marshall buried back-to-back three-pointers, while Keegan Murray hit a three-pointer. The Kings led 29-27 after the first quarter. The Mavericks opened the second quarter with an 8-0 run. Thompson knocked down back-to-back three-pointers. The Kings picked up the pace, but their efforts fell flat. The Mavericks took a 71-48 lead into halftime.
Both teams suffered from sluggish starts during the third quarter but sped up. Dante Exum hit a three-pointer. DeRozan and LaVine combined for 22 third-quarter points. The Mavericks sustained a 99-81 lead after three quarters. The Kings tried to build off their high-scoring third quarter, but they underperformed. DeRozan and LaVine continued their offensive dominance, but the Mavericks won 120-106 in regulation.
Mavericks-Kings Highlights
The Dallas Mavericks-Sacramento Kings game featured many highlights, such as Thompson summarizing his 2024-25 NBA regular season and giving himself a B. During Monday’s media availability, Thompson said with a chuckle, “I’d give it a B … I thought I shot the ball decent, nearly 40% from three. But I’m really grateful to play in 72 games and be a consistent presence in the lineup. That’s something I can really hang my hat on.”
For the Mavericks, the fans could breathe a sigh of relief as Luka Doncic stayed in Dallas the day after his first return to the city following the February trade instead of immediately flying to Los Angeles with his Los Angeles Lakers teammates. Doncic hosted a youth basketball event at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store, meeting with young basketball players, signing autographs, and helping out at the cash register.
For the Kings, their 109-98 win over the Phoenix Suns at the Golden 1 Center on Sunday was more than a win. Domantas Sabonis was the NBA’s rebounding leader with nearly 14 rebounds per game but didn’t stop there. Sabonis led the NBA in double-doubles, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Kevin Garnett, and George Mikan as the only players to top the list for three straight seasons.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 132-97 at the FedExForum on Sunday. The Mavericks struggled without Davis, Lively II, Thompson, and Washington Jr. and failed to jump start the offense and defense. Max Christie told Mavs.com that the Mavericks must stick to disciplines and habits. Christie added transition defense is important for the Mavericks.
The Mavericks reached one goal — to make the NBA playoffs — but Thompson has another goal in mind. Thompson played 70+ games for the second consecutive season as a secondary goal and strived to return to the NBA Finals. But first, Thompson will need to help the Mavericks advance in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Transparency is the Mavericks’ priority. As expected, GM Nico Harrison and CEO Rick Welts had to tackle tough questions. On Tuesday, Harrison said that playing hard-nosed defense for Doncic remains the single most important reason that the Mavericks traded him. Harrison added that there were no regrets on the trade. Welts said that he didn’t think that the Mavericks’ formula was any different than any other team.
The Mavericks will take on the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks and Grizzlies game will be broadcast on ESPN. Meanwhile, Sacramento was eliminated from the NBA Play-In Tournament and parted ways with Kings GM Monte McNair following the loss. McNair went 195-205 over five seasons in Sacramento, California.
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