The Dallas Mavericks faced a tough test on Thursday night, competing without their star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite recent success, including a 17-10 record bolstered by 12 wins in their last 15 games, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the absence of their marquee players. The 113-103 loss highlighted the struggles of a team adapting to new roles and responsibilities in a difficult situation.
Veteran guard Klay Thompson, who led the Mavericks with 22 points in 29 minutes, was candid in the postgame press conference. “We didn’t play very well,” Thompson admitted. “But it’s not the end of the world. It’s our first time playing without our best players… I’m sure it won’t be the last. We’ll be ready next time because it’s a completely different style of play, obviously.”
Thompson acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to the void left by Doncic and Irving, emphasizing the need for improvement in all aspects of the game. “Offensively, we struggled. And defensively, actually,” Thompson said, reflecting on the team’s inability to execute on both ends of the floor. His performance was emblematic of the team’s difficulties, as he connected on just 22% of his three-point attempts, making only two of nine from deep.
“It’s frustrating when you shoot the ball that poorly from three, and I was a big culprit of that,” Thompson admitted, demonstrating his accountability as a team leader. Despite the rough shooting night, his effort on the court and willingness to adapt to a larger role were evident.
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The loss underscored how much the Mavericks rely on Doncic and Irving to generate offense and set the tone for their play. However, Thompson expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. “We’re capable of much better. This game was a learning experience,” he added, signaling optimism for future games where the team might face similar challenges.
Head coach Jason Kidd praised Thompson’s contributions despite the loss, noting the veteran guard’s leadership in a difficult situation. “Klay was great, the group was great,” Kidd said. However, he also credited the Clippers for capitalizing on the Mavericks’ shortcomings. “We just ran out of gas. Give the Clippers credit. They were the better team tonight.”
Thompson, who joined the Mavericks this season, continues to find his rhythm in Dallas. Known for his years as a sharpshooter with the Golden State Warriors, the 34-year-old remains optimistic about reaching his peak form as the season progresses. “Just being more familiar with the offense and my teammates as each game progresses,” Thompson said. “We haven’t even hit the new year yet, so I know there’s still another level for myself to get to, and that really excites me.”
Despite the loss, Thompson’s evolving role with the Mavericks shows promise. His ability to step up when key players are unavailable will be critical as the team navigates the ups and downs of a long NBA season. For a player of Thompson’s caliber, adapting to a new system while maintaining his high standards is a process he approaches with patience and determination.
The Mavericks have proven to be one of the league’s top teams this season, but Thursday’s loss was a reminder of how much Doncic and Irving drive their success. Their ability to generate scoring opportunities, control the pace, and elevate their teammates has been central to Dallas’ strong start. Without them, the team’s supporting cast will need to step up, and Thompson is fully aware of that challenge.
As the season unfolds, games like this serve as a reminder of the importance of depth and adaptability in the NBA. For the Mavericks, finding a way to compete when their stars are sidelined could be the difference between being a good team and a great one. With leaders like Klay Thompson taking accountability and showing a commitment to improvement, Dallas remains poised to continue building on its early success.
In the weeks ahead, the Mavericks will look to regroup, build on the lessons from this game, and reinforce the systems that have made them one of the league’s top-performing teams. With Thompson’s leadership and the eventual return of Doncic and Irving, Dallas is still well-positioned to compete at the highest level.