“I’ve never been a part of a season like this. (All you can do is) stay positive about it,” PJ Washington said on Monday. And let’s be real—when a player has to find silver linings, you already know things have gone sideways. For the Dallas Mavericks, this season’s been one long rollercoaster—mostly heading downhill. From reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011 to now scrambling for survival in the Play-In? Yeah, that drop-off says it all. It’s especially rough considering the expectations surrounding this squad. Klay Thompson, fresh off a 13-year run with the Warriors, joined Dallas with hopes of chasing another ring. Safe to say… this isn’t quite the path he pictured.
And now, with one last shot left to salvage the season, the veteran sharpshooter is reportedly making a major demand. With time running out, Klay clearly wants this team to wake up—and fast.
The Mavs crew was interviewed after the team’s recent practice session. When Klay Thompson was asked about gearing up for the Play-In Tournament, his response came with a signature mix of poise and perspective. “I look at it as a makeup for never playing in the NCAA tournament,” he said. “So, I’m looking forward to going to Sacramento and having a great experience with my guys.”
It’s a clever way to frame it, really. Back at Washington State, Klay had a standout college career—but the NCAA tournament? That stage always eluded him. So now, with the Play-In offering that same do-or-die feel, it’s like a full-circle moment for the veteran.
And let’s be honest—if there’s one guy built for high-stakes basketball, it’s Klay. From iconic Game 6 explosions to clutch performances during the Warriors’ dynasty years, he’s no stranger to win-or-go-home pressure. He’s embracing the chaos of the Play-In with that same battle-tested mindset. For Klay, it’s not about what the Mavericks didn’t accomplish this season—it’s about what they still can.
Simply “having a great experience” is a lofty demand in itself. After all, it’s hard to have a ‘great experience’ when half of the team’s scorers are sidelined. Along with Klay Thompson, PJ Washington, Dereck Lively II, Anthony Davis, and Brandon Williams also hold a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. The same was highlighted by the Mavs’ Injury Report per ESPN. Kyrie Irving has been ‘OUT’ since early March. He had sustained a season-ending ACL injury. Olivier-Maxence Prosper was also sidelined around the same time after sustaining a right wrist injury, and then undergoing surgery to treat the same.
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Then again, giving the best shouldn’t be that big of a demand from Thompson’s side. After all, he joined a prosperous NBA franchise, led by the likes of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The hope was that, by working together, the Mavs could even secure the championship title this year. Instead, what he got was Luka Doncic getting sidelined for a major period after his Christmas Day injury, the Slovenian shockingly getting traded for Anthony Davis, and a significant number of injuries plaguing Jason Kidd’s squad. Therefore, for him, demanding his teammates to give their best efforts should be the least they could do.
“I mean, it was a goal, but it wasn’t my main goal,” said Klay Thompson on playing 72 games for the team. “Main goal was to go back to the Finals and…. it’s still alive. For us, it’s just about a……. I mean, yeah, it was a good, it was a good achievement for me, especially with the injuries I endured, and to be have that so far in the past now is awesome”.
By securing the 10th seed, the Mavericks squad has gained a saving grace. The Play-In gives the team a path for the playoffs when it otherwise would have been nonexistent. Therefore, despite the current troubles, Thompson wants the team to do their best. As it turns out, he isn’t the only one.
PJ Washington wants to cover for teammates when “everybody’s hurting a little bit”
During the same post-practice presser, PJ Washington took some questions from the media. At the same time, he gave credit to the players who were present to cover for the injured players. Washington realizes this, since he was plagued with knee and ankle injuries for a significant portion of the now concluded NBA regular season. Now, the forward believed it was up to him, and the others, to cover for them in the upcoming game.
“So, credit to those guys, I’m glad they had a great season, great, good, healthy season. So, we should have to be there for them, and just try to pick up the pace,” said Washington. “Obviously, post-season, everybody’s hurting a little bit since, so, just trying to basically leave it all on the floor. And there are no excuses.”
Dec 27, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Washington himself missed the Mavs’ season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies. Complications from his sprained left ankle came up again. Therefore, his availability status for the upcoming Play-In game against the Sacramento Kings is still under doubt. Given its importance, however, he might do his best to make it, and motivate others to step up during the matchup too.
The post Everyone On Mavs Is In Pain As Klay Thompson Makes Lofty Demand From Locker Room Ahead Of Do-Or-Die Play-In Game appeared first on EssentiallySports.