It's without a doubt that the Dallas Mavericks are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Dallas is on an eight-game winning streak, solidifying themselves as the second-best team in the Western Conference. Yet, the team is doing all this without being 100 percent.
Many players on the team missed extensive time due to sickness and injuries. For example, Naji Marshall has been out for the past four games with an illness that continues to float around. While his absence has been no trouble for Dallas, Marshall's return would be killer for them. He had played superb basketball before the illness, as he finally found his rhythm. Maxi Kleber joined Marshall on the injury report this weekend, as he too is dealing with an illness.
As for the injury aspect, many players such as the Mavs' big three have missed significant time. Luka Doncic was out for five games due to a wrist sprain. Then once he returned, Kyrie Irving missed a game because of a sore shoulder. Klay Thompson too missed ample time with a left foot plantar fascia.
Thompson has been better in Dallas than he's given credit for
So, in simple terms, Dallas has been winning without their big three and several of their role players being healthy. Thompson has played in just three games since returning from injury. Thompson returned against the Memphis Grizzlies last Tuesday. His participation was limited though as coach Jason Kidd expressed his plan for Thompson to play around 20 minutes. Dallas stuck to the plan, as Spencer Dinwiddie took over his spot down the stretch.
Yet, despite Thompson's absence, critics continue to express their displeasure with his level of play for Dallas. Last week, an anonymous NBA executive expressed his or her concern about Thompson being on the Mavs. They stated he is an "awkward fit" with Dallas and even alluded that Derrick Jones Jr. was a better fit last season.
Ben Cooper of ClutchPoints too joined in on the Thompson criticism. He recently stated that Thompson was the "biggest disappointment" for Dallas, and at times is holding the team back. He mentions how he is shooting career lows this season and that his inconsistent shooting is holding the Mavericks from reaching their full potential.
However, Cooper may have overlooked Thompson's numbers. For starters, Thompson is shooting 36.6 percent from the 3-point line. This is a 2.1 percent drop from last season. His chemistry with the Mavs is still being worked on. At the beginning of the season, Thompson shot 38.8 from long range in October. His high shooting was due in part to Dallas' ability to spread the floor and find him open attempts while putting an emphasis on running off-ball actions for him. They haven't been doing this as much recently, and that could be key in getting him rolling again.
While the Mavs are winning, Dallas has yet to find their true identity. As mentioned, there have been numerous players coming in and out of the lineup because of health issues. The team chemistry is continuing to grow, as the Mavs adapt to new players on the lineup.
It's possible Thompson may be trying to fit in again as he had missed some time. Thompson has averaged 11.7 points per game and shot 43.3 percent since his return. Thompson had a solid performance against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday when he dropped 20 points. He seemed comfortable finding his shot, as he was able to move without the ball and drill open shots.
Defensively, Thompson has done well for Dallas. He isn't afraid to use his body to make things tough for opponents and brings great effort. He does a great job guarding numerous players, no matter their height. He demonstrates underrated lateral quickness, and although he isn't the defender he once was, he can hold his own when needed. His quick hands can also help him cut off passing lanes. So, his offense isn't his only strong suit.
In reality, Thompson has done what is needed for Dallas. Yes, he has had some off nights, but so have other players on the team. The life of a shooter is going to have ups and downs, and Mavs fans have to remember that. Thompson and the Mavs will be just fine as time progresses. It has only been about a month and a half since the season started.
Thompson will look to continue proving doubters wrong this week, as he and the Dallas Mavericks take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Knockout Round of the NBA Cup.
