NBA play-in tournament: Thompson’s 23 helps Mavericks eliminate Kings

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/16/mavericks-kings-heat-bulls-play-in-tournament

Summary

In a thrilling play-in game, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Sacramento Kings 112-108, led by Klay Thompson's 23 points. Thompson's timely shooting and veteran leadership proved crucial, complementing strong performances from Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. The Mavericks secured a narrow lead over the Kings during the fourth quarter. Their victory allows them to advance and face the Los Angeles Lakers for the eighth seed in the Western Conference. The play-in tournament aims to create a win-or-go-home situation with higher stakes, giving teams ranked seventh through tenth the opportunity to fight for the last two playoff spots.

Full News Report

Here’s the article: **Thompson's 23 Points Help Mavericks Eliminate Kings in Thrilling NBA Play-In Tournament Game** **DALLAS, TX -** In a Western Conference play-in tournament showdown defined by grit, clutch performances, and the electric atmosphere of the American Airlines Center, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings 112-108 on Wednesday night. Led by sharpshooting guard Klay Thompson’s 23 points, the Mavericks secured a crucial victory, eliminating the Kings from playoff contention and advancing to face the Los Angeles Lakers for the eighth seed in the West. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat also secured a play-in victory, adding another layer of drama to the high-stakes NBA post-season race. This article delves into the details of the Mavericks' win, analyzing Thompson's pivotal contribution, the overall game dynamics, and what this victory means for Dallas moving forward. ## Mavericks Advance: Thompson Shines Under Pressure The Dallas Mavericks entered the NBA play-in tournament with a sense of urgency. After a rollercoaster regular season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances, they understood the gravity of the situation. For the Kings, the play-in represented a chance to defy expectations and secure a long-awaited playoff berth. However, their hopes were dashed by a determined Mavericks squad fueled by Thompson's scoring prowess and a collective desire to avoid an early exit. ### Thompson's Timely Scoring Spurs Mavericks Victory Klay Thompson, acquired mid-season from the Golden State Warriors, has quickly integrated himself into the Mavericks' system. While he hasn't consistently replicated his Warriors-era form, Wednesday night was a vintage performance. His 23 points were a team-high, but more importantly, they came at critical moments. Thompson hit five three-pointers, several of which stemmed the tide whenever the Kings threatened to pull away. "Klay's experience and shooting ability are invaluable in these high-pressure situations," said Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd after the game. "He's been there before, he knows what it takes, and he delivered tonight. The [NBA] play-in [tournament] is a different beast, and you need players who can handle the intensity." Thompson's impact extended beyond scoring. His defensive effort and veteran leadership were also evident, providing a calming presence amidst the chaos. He also chipped in with 4 rebounds and 3 assists, adding to his overall contribution. ### Key Game Moments and Player Performances While Thompson was the leading scorer, the Mavericks' victory was a team effort. Luka Dončić recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists, despite facing constant double-teams from the Kings' defense. Kyrie Irving added 18 points and facilitated the offense, showcasing his playmaking skills. For the Kings, De'Aaron Fox led the way with 27 points, but struggled with efficiency, shooting only 9-23 from the field. Domantas Sabonis contributed a double-double of his own with 22 points and 15 rebounds, but failed to contain the Mavericks' offensive firepower. The Kings' bench also struggled to provide a spark, as they were outscored by the Mavericks' reserves. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with multiple lead changes and momentum swings. The Mavericks managed to create separation in the fourth quarter thanks to Thompson’s hot shooting and a renewed commitment to defense. They held the Kings to just 20 points in the final frame, effectively sealing the victory. ## The NBA Play-In Tournament: A Pathway to the Playoffs The NBA play-in tournament, introduced in the 2019-2020 season, has quickly become a fixture of the league's post-season landscape. Designed to increase competitive balance and add excitement to the end of the regular season, the tournament provides teams ranked seventh through tenth in each conference an opportunity to compete for the final two playoff spots. The [NBA] play-in [tournament] structure is simple: * The seventh and eighth-seeded teams play one game. The winner secures the seventh seed in the playoffs. * The loser of the 7-8 game plays the winner of the 9-10 game. The winner of this game secures the eighth seed in the playoffs. This format creates a high-stakes environment, where every possession matters. It's a win-or-go-home situation that has produced memorable moments and unexpected outcomes. The play-in has also generated increased television ratings and fan engagement, proving to be a successful addition to the NBA calendar. The intense spotlight that’s on the game is something the [NBA] benefits from greatly, giving the league more exposure. ### Impact and Significance of the Mavericks' Victory The Mavericks' victory over the Kings carries significant implications for their season. It not only keeps their playoff hopes alive but also provides a much-needed boost of confidence. Beating a tough opponent like the Kings, especially in a pressure-packed situation, demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Furthermore, this win allows the Mavericks to control their destiny. They now have a chance to secure the eighth seed and face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. While the Thunder would be a formidable opponent, the Mavericks believe they have the talent and experience to compete. ### The Road Ahead: Lakers Challenge Looms However, before they can focus on the playoffs, the Mavericks must first face the Los Angeles Lakers in a crucial play-in game. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, present a formidable challenge. They are a veteran team with championship aspirations, and they will be eager to avoid being eliminated in the play-in tournament. The Mavericks will need to play their best basketball to defeat the Lakers. They will need Thompson to continue his hot shooting, Dončić and Irving to lead the offense, and the entire team to play with intensity and focus on defense. "We know the Lakers are a tough opponent," said Dončić after the game against the Kings. "But we're ready for the challenge. We're going to go out there and give it our all." ## Related Trends and Future of the Play-In Tournament The [tournament] has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some argue that it unfairly penalizes teams that finish seventh or eighth in the regular season, while others praise its competitive spirit and entertainment value. Regardless of one's opinion, the play-in tournament is here to stay. The NBA has embraced the format, and it is expected to remain a part of the league's post-season structure for the foreseeable future. As the play-in continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how teams adjust their strategies and approaches to maximize their chances of success. Klay [thompsons]’ contribution to this format is undeniable. ### The Bigger Picture: Playoffs on the Horizon The Mavericks' journey through the play-in tournament is a microcosm of their season – filled with highs, lows, and plenty of challenges. Regardless of what happens against the Lakers, they will have gained valuable experience and learned important lessons. This playoff appearance, however it occurs, is critical for the growth of the team. With Thompson finding his rhythm, Dončić and Irving leading the charge, and a supporting cast eager to contribute, the Mavericks have the potential to make some noise in the playoffs. They are a team that no opponent will want to face, and they are determined to prove that they belong among the NBA's elite. This whole tournament would not be possible without the NBA. Now is their chance.