After a tough fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks need to keep their heads up as they head into the next few games.
With Kyrie Irving nearing a return from his back injury, the team’s offense should start clicking more once he’s back on the court. The Mavs have been doing their best in his absence, but the excitement among fans is growing with Irving’s return on the horizon.
This challenging stretch for the Mavs, having one of the worst records in the Western Conference over their last 10 games (3-7), has brought out a more mature side of Klay Thompson as he faces the challenge of playing without Luka Dončić and Irving.
Klay Thompson knows championships aren’t won overnight
Following the loss to Denver, Thompson emphasized the significance of playing solid basketball without Irving and Doncic. He highlighted that navigating through these challenges is crucial, noting that winning championships is never an easy feat.
“Not looking ahead and realizing championships aren’t won just because of a great run in the playoffs, but you have to build great chemistry before that,” Thompson said.
Thompson also pointed out that overcoming adversity is essential for any team aiming to win a championship.
As a four-time champion, Thompson knows this better than anyone. He’s absolutely right. Even though he won a title in just his fourth season with Golden State, the Warriors underwent significant changes, including bringing in Steve Kerr, altering their starting lineup, and adding Andre Iguodala. These adjustments didn’t happen overnight.
Similarly, the Mavs’ move to bring in Quentin Grimes, who has been dubbed the “steal of the offseason,” is proving to be a smart decision as it continues to pay off.
Naji Marshall has also been a standout success this season, quickly becoming a fan favorite thanks to his tenacity and the energy he brings every game.
The pairing of Doncic with Irving was a carefully planned project, and it was Nico Harrison who identified the perfect opportunity to bring the superstar to Dallas.
Their performance last year exceeded expectations, even reaching the NBA Finals. Now, Thompson is seamlessly fitting into the team’s structure.
It takes much more than just overcoming injuries—it requires mental toughness, conditioning, hustle, and even a bit of luck.
The grind of an 82-game season, followed by the playoffs, can wear on any NBA player, and fans should always remember just how difficult it is to win a championship in any professional sport.
Thompson has fully embraced the challenge of playing without Doncic and Irving, staying calm and understanding that this is part of the journey.
His leadership, both on and off the court, is a perfect fit for Dallas. The Mavericks valued Thompson’s leadership when they brought him on, and he continues to demonstrate it every night. With his championship mindset, Thompson is a valuable asset that money can’t buy.
