+31 Plus-Minus! Klay's Redemption Game, Can Mavericks Pull Off a Play-In Miracle?

In a high-stakes Play-In tournament showdown, the Dallas Mavericks pulled off a crucial 120-106 victory against the Sacramento Kings, keeping their playoff dreams alive. This wasn’t just another regular season game, nor was it the typical seeding battle. This was a do-or-die clash between the 9th and 10th seeds, with the winner advancing, and the loser heading home to fish. The Mavericks made it clear early on that they weren't going to let the season slip away. Though they trailed by two points after the first quarter, Dallas erupted in the second, delivering a 44-19 run that not only flipped the script but sealed their win. By halftime, the Mavericks were in control, and the 20-point lead they built would remain for the rest of the game.

While there were several key contributors in the victory, no one shone brighter than the man who has been synonymous with the Mavericks' resurgence: Anthony Davis. Davis, playing in 35 minutes, finished with an impressive stat line of 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks. His performance, particularly in the latter stages of the game, was nothing short of dominant. But it wasn’t just the numbers—Davis' defense against Kings’ star Domantas Sabonis was a game-changer. Sabonis, who has often had the upper hand in past matchups against Davis, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting, alongside an eye-popping -26 plus-minus, the worst on the team.

This marks a complete turnaround from the last time these two players faced off in a big game. A year ago, Sabonis had been Davis’ nemesis, with Davis failing to secure a single victory in their first 10 encounters. Fast forward to today, and Davis has now won five straight against Sabonis, showing just how much of a difference a year—and a few tweaks to one’s game—can make.

While Davis’ defensive prowess was instrumental in the Mavericks’ win, it was Klay Thompson’s scorching hot shooting in the second quarter that really turned the tide. Thompson played 31 minutes and shot an astounding 8-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. His performance wasn't just efficient; it was timely and decisive, especially in the second quarter when he single-handedly went on a tear. In that 12-minute stretch, Thompson knocked down 4 three-pointers, helping to propel Dallas on an 18-7 run that stretched their lead from a narrow 35-32 advantage to a commanding 53-39. From that point on, Sacramento was unable to close the gap.

By the end of the game, Thompson had poured in 23 points, added 5 rebounds, and dished out 2 assists, not to mention his game-high +31 plus-minus. His contribution was pivotal in not only holding off any hopes of a Sacramento comeback but also in securing the Mavericks’ spot in the next round of the Play-In Tournament. The fact that Thompson, who had such a rough outing in last year’s Play-In against the Kings—shooting 0-for-10 in one of the worst games of his career—could redeem himself so emphatically speaks volumes about his resilience.

But there’s a deeper layer to this story. Thompson’s redemptive performance is part of a broader narrative surrounding the Mavericks. After losing key players over the past seasons and undergoing a roster overhaul, Dallas has finally seemed to find some semblance of balance again. While Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving are still key figures on the team, Thompson, along with Davis, has provided the kind of veteran stability and clutch performances that have been missing in previous seasons.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will face the Memphis Grizzlies in the next round of the Play-In Tournament. The two teams have already met four times this season, with each side winning two games. However, a major wrinkle in this matchup is the absence of Dončić, who was traded midseason, and the fact that the Mavericks were playing without several key pieces, including Davis, LeBron James, and some other rotational players. Despite this, the Grizzlies managed to pull off a 11-point win against a depleted Mavericks roster in their last meeting. On paper, Memphis, with its 48-win season, holds the upper hand. But if the Mavericks can stay healthy and get contributions from their new-look roster, they’ll still be a dangerous team.

The Mavericks’ current lineup, despite the setbacks and trade disruptions, is one of the deepest and most versatile in the league. Davis, Thompson, Rui Hachimura, Dāngrán Wáng, and other key role players make the Mavericks a formidable threat. If the Mavericks manage to upset the Grizzlies, they would make history as the first team to enter the playoffs from the 10th seed in the Play-In era. And in a twist of fate, should they advance to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs, it would set the stage for an intriguing matchup.

Remember, it was the Mavericks who eliminated the No. 1-seeded Thunder in last year’s playoff semifinals. What’s more, although the Thunder have been one of the best teams in the West this season, they’ve dropped three of their four matchups with Dallas. Despite not having Dončić or Irving in their corner, the Mavericks’ frontcourt, led by Davis, can give the smaller Thunder lineup plenty of problems. And if Thompson keeps up his shooting form, suddenly Dallas could be the team to watch as they march toward what many would consider an unexpected playoff run.

In the midst of all this speculation, it’s clear that the Mavericks' season isn’t over yet. The next game against the Grizzlies will be crucial. Memphis has had a fantastic regular season, but they still have their own share of issues, with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. being the team’s main stars. The Grizzlies have the talent to give anyone a tough time, but the Mavericks have the depth and experience to match them blow for blow.

What’s more, there’s the looming possibility of Thompson continuing his redemption story and leading the charge for the Mavericks. His fiery shooting and veteran savvy might just be the spark this team needs. And with Davis holding down the paint and playing elite defense, it’s clear the Mavericks have what it takes to be a threat in the postseason.

As the Play-In Tournament continues, we’re left to wonder: could the Mavericks truly pull off a miracle and make a deep playoff run? If they can take down Memphis and advance, the rest of the Western Conference better be on alert. With the right mix of veteran leadership, scoring from Thompson, and the dominant presence of Davis, Dallas might just be the team no one expected to make noise in the postseason. The Play-In Tournament has already proven to be full of surprises, and this Mavericks squad has the talent to turn heads and possibly rewrite the script of the season. Time will tell if they can make this Play-In run more than just a passing fluke.