It’s been a while since the Captain made noise on the hardwood. Ever since he left the Warriors, flashes of his best have been rare. But when Klay Thompson locks in, you step aside. On Wednesday, he lit up the court for the Dallas Mavericks. Yet, perhaps only Anthony Davis truly knew what was brewing inside the veteran’s mind.

Chipping in 23 crucial points in the decisive Play-In game vs. Sacramento, Klay once again proved he rises when things matter the most. But maybe, just maybe, this matchup against the Kings was more personal for Thompson than we can fathom out. So, after the game, AD spoke to the media in the Mavs locker room, where he unveiled the 35-year-old NBA champ’s agenda.

The reporters wanted to know if Klay Thompson ever mentioned the 2024 NBA Play-In games before the Kings’ matchup. “No. We know,” Davis clarified. “We all like to ask all, and we know how tough it is on you losing hair last time as a Warrior. And other things that go on with him. So, the way he plays and how you can tell us a lot of you want to call and want to get this win. He wants to get the win for him. So I’m glad he played well. I’m glad we got the win.”

Of course, Klay Thompson remembered the 0-for-10 disaster in Sacramento. The internet made sure of that. But this time, he walked into Golden 1 Center with a mission. He dropped 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, silencing ghosts and critics alike. With 5 threes and a first-half takeover, he helped the Mavericks cruise past the Kings, 120-106.

“It did feel good to exorcise those demons in here, man,” Klay admitted after the game. “Man, the last time I was here was not very fun,” Thompson further told reporters. “It’s a lot of emotion. I thought I did a good job of not forcing it. Human nature, when you have a season end on a sour note like that, you want to come out here and prove people wrong.” 

Well, you could say that after Wednesday’s game, the Dallas Mavericks are charged to face the Memphis Grizzlies. Friday would be the ultimate game that’ll decide whether Klay and Co. make it to the Playoffs or not. But before that, the Grizzlies have received a strong warning from the Mavs locker room.

After Klay Thompson’s big night, Anthony Davis and Co. send warnings towards the Grizzlies

These two just faced off on April 13. But let’s be honest—no stakes, no stars, no spark. The Grizzlies did win big, 132-97, and took the season series 3-1. However, with benches doing the heavy lifting, those games tell us little now. Memphis now has little to no margin for error. They are meeting the Mavericks on April 18 at their home arena, FedExForum. However, nothing seems to frighten Dallas, even Kyrie Irving’s absence isn’t affecting their grit to make it to the next round.

PJ Washington knows that the Grizzlies of April 13 won’t be the same on Friday. So, what’s it going to take for them to come out and win? “Everything,” the 26-year-old center mentioned. “Obviously, we win this game, we’re in the playoffs; we lose, we go home. So, we’re gonna need everything from everybody, every single man. We’re gonna have to play just like how we did tonight and just make the right play, and guard at a high level.” Meanwhile, Anthony Davis confirmed that they’re locked in for the matchup.

Now with the past behind him, Klay Thompson looks ahead, calm, focused, and quietly fired up. Anthony Davis sees it too. This one means more. The Dallas Mavericks have shaken off the doubts, silenced old demons, and stepped into their stride. Meanwhile, Memphis waits, but Dallas is not flinching. Not now. Not with Klay leading the charge and Davis echoing the fire. Friday is not just another game. It is a statement in the making.