Klay Thompson Shines as Mavericks Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Win Over Kings

The Dallas Mavericks stayed alive in the NBA Play-In Tournament on Wednesday night with an impressive 120-106 win over the Sacramento Kings. With their season on the line, the Mavericks delivered a gritty performance on the road and will now travel to Memphis for a high-stakes matchup against the Grizzlies on Friday night.

That game will determine the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference and who will face top-seeded Oklahoma City in the first round of the playoffs.

Dallas overcame an early deficit with a dominant second-quarter surge, led by Klay Thompson and Brandon Williams. Thompson, in particular, caught fire, scoring 16 points in the frame on perfect shooting—5-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 from beyond the arc.

It was a redemptive night for Thompson, who struggled in a similar elimination setting last year against the Kings while playing for the Golden State Warriors. On Wednesday, he turned the page, finishing with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, and a block in 33 minutes of action.

Speaking to ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt after the game, Thompson reflected on the team’s perseverance and shared a motivating message he gave before tip-off.

“We had to endure quite the year, especially with injuries. Obviously, we miss our brother Kyrie, and we all know what he brings. The sky’s the limit when he’s with us,” Thompson said. “We’re desperate to keep this postseason run alive. I told the guys, ‘We have nothing to lose. Go out there, play free, and play for each other.’”

Thompson’s passion resonated with the squad, as the Mavericks outworked the Kings and played with a sense of urgency that matched the moment.

For Thompson, this playoff push means more than just another game. After missing two full seasons due to ACL and Achilles injuries, every minute on the court is something he deeply cherishes. His love for the game and leadership were evident in Dallas’ big win.

The Mavericks will now look to keep their momentum going when they face the Grizzlies on Friday, April 18, at 9:30 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.