Klay Thompson seems to take responsibility with the The Dallas Mavericks very seriously. The threat of the veteran perimeter is to be brought to help the reigning Western Conference champions take the lead next season, and while he already has four rings, Thompson isn’t taking the value of this specific title chase for granted.
The big free agent acquisition lets fans know how committed he is to his new team, post an image of a video that details the Mavs’ 2010–11 NBA Championship Campaignvia All Things Mavs. Thompson also includes a memo emoji to convey the message that he’s taking notes from Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of that winning group.
By showing respect for what the Mavericks have accomplished in the past and immersing himself in this defining season, the two-time All-NBA Third Team selection is proving that his newfound connection to Dallas is about more than just a job. It would be too easy for him to overlook the journey of this superbly talented and gritty team given his own credentials, but Thompson is quickly adapting to the Mavs culture.
When you list the franchise’s greatest accomplishments, their first and only NBA title is obviously at the top. However, simply looking at the surface of that historic feat, now nearly a decade and a half old, doesn’t do justice to what the Mavericks accomplished in 2011.
The Mavericks proved the importance of team player fit
Dallas wasn’t just a ragtag bunch of players who had a chance to beat the mighty Miami Heat. It was centered around a Hall of Famer in Dirk Nowitzki, who would eventually win the NBA Finals MVP after averaging 26.0 points and 9.7 rebounds in six games. Surrounding the star forward were another Hall of Famer in Jason Kidd, top-notch defenders Tyson Chandler and Shawn Marion, and all-star sixth man Jason Terry, among others. But no one expected this group to take down a superteam led by LeBron James.
The Mavericks didn’t just beat the Heat, they stunned them. Their stout defensive attack stifled James in a crucial Game 4, allowing him to end up with what is still his worst performance in big game (eight points on 27.3 percent shooting). Nowitzki also struggled from the field, but he cemented his legacy with a double-double and a game-winning basket. His “Fever Game” heroics helped shift the momentum of the series and ultimately helped Dallas win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Luka Doncic is now tasked with adding another trophy to the Mavs’ showcase. It is believed that the Klay Thompson arrives can contribute to the accomplishment of this overarching mission. Observing how the 2010-11 Mavericks prepared and performed en route to their monumental triumph may be especially relevant in 2024-25.
Mavs hope to defeat their own giants
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The Western Conference is full of threats, and the Boston Celtics are aiming to succeed Thompson’s Warriors and become the NBA’s next dynasty. Just as Dallas outlasted the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers and the mighty Heat, he and his new teammates must embody the right mix of skill, resilience and confidence to hold on until the end.
With Kidd as head coach of today’s Mavs, Thompson has the luxury of absorbing knowledge from a primary source. If the 34-year-old can play his role As the extra scorer Doncic and Kyrie Irving need in the playoffs, he could play a big role in celebrating the franchise’s second championship.
In the meantime, fans will appreciate his dedication and studious nature.
