The Dallas Mavericks kicked off their postseason on Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, as the 10th seed in the NBA's Play-In Tournament, facing off against the Sacramento Kings on the road. The stakes were high: the winner would advance to play the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, while the loser's season would come to an abrupt end. Despite missing key players, the Mavericks managed to secure a 120-106 victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive for at least one more game.
In this crucial matchup, the Mavericks were without star guard Kyrie Irving, who is sidelined for the season due to a left knee injury, and Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who is recovering from wrist surgery. However, they still boasted a formidable lineup that included Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, P.J. Washington, Anthony Davis, and Dereck Lively II. The Kings countered with Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis, DeMar DeRozan, Keegan Murray, and Domantas Sabonis.
The game started with both teams trading baskets, with the lead changing hands multiple times in the opening minutes. After the Kings took a narrow 7-6 lead, the Mavericks responded with a 9-0 run, highlighted by two three-pointers from Marshall and a thunderous putback dunk from Washington. However, Sacramento quickly rallied back, tying the game and eventually taking a 29-27 lead by the end of the first quarter.
As the second quarter unfolded, the Mavericks found their rhythm. Brandon Williams, who was a game-time decision, opened the quarter with back-to-back three-pointers, spurring an 8-0 run that pushed Dallas ahead by six. Klay Thompson, eager to make amends for a disappointing performance in last year’s Play-In game, got hot, scoring 16 of his 23 points in the second quarter alone. His sharpshooting helped the Mavericks build a commanding 71-48 lead by halftime.
Thompson's resurgence was a key factor in the Mavericks' offensive explosion, as they scored an impressive 44 points in the second quarter. Anthony Davis, who led the Mavericks with 27 points and 9 rebounds, also contributed significantly, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive presence. The Kings struggled to find their footing, committing more turnovers than field goals during this decisive quarter.
As the second half began, the Mavericks maintained their momentum. A high-low lob from Davis to Lively II extended their lead to 25 points early in the third quarter. Although DeMar DeRozan began to find his rhythm for Sacramento, scoring 33 points throughout the game, the Mavericks’ defense held strong, preventing any significant comeback attempts.
Despite a late push from the Kings, who managed to cut the lead down to 16 points, the Mavericks responded with key baskets from Williams and Washington, ultimately coasting to a 120-106 victory. This win not only marked a critical step for the Mavericks in their playoff journey but also highlighted their resilience amid a tumultuous season.
The Mavericks' success was a stark contrast to the Kings, who faced yet another disappointing season. With this loss, Sacramento missed the playoffs for the 18th time in 19 seasons, raising questions about their future direction, especially following a mid-season coaching change and the trade of star point guard De’Aaron Fox.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks will now prepare for a challenging matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night, April 18, 2025. The winner of that game will earn the right to face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the opening round of the playoffs. All eyes will be on Ja Morant's injury status as the Mavericks gear up for this pivotal game.
In summary, the Mavericks' victory over the Kings not only extended their season but also showcased their potential to compete in the playoffs despite the challenges they faced throughout the year. With strong performances from Davis, Thompson, and Williams, the team is eager to build on this momentum as they head into their next contest.
