The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs entered the season with roughly the same expectations. After just one contest, it’s clear that the Mavericks are lagging behind.
To open their season, they lost to the Spurs 125-92. Victor Wembanyama offered 40 points, embarrassing Dallas on both ends of the floor. Cooper Flagg, meanwhile, mounted an inefficient ten-point effort.
Despite Flagg’s poor showing, fans and his teammates are incredibly optimistic. However, Klay Thompson thinks a different player is poised to step up.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 08: Anthony Davis #3 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts with his teammates Daniel Gafford #21, P.J. Washington #25 and Klay Thompson #31 in the game against the Houston Rockets at American Airlines Center on February 08, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Mavericks to Rely on PJ Washington’s Breakout
PJ Washington is quietly one of the better 3-and-D players in the league. Last season, he averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while shooting 38.1% from deep.
In the season opener against the Spurs, Washington added 17 efficient points, playing his role well despite being outpaced by San Antonio.
Dallas will rely on Washington to take the next step this season.
“There are so many great players on this roster,” Klay Thompson told CBS. “I think PJ has All-Star potential. I really do.”
Of course, the Mavericks are headlined by Thompson, Flagg, and Anthony Davis, although they have a high-level supporting cast. In order to compete with the loaded Western Conference, the role players will have to make the jump to stars.
“I really believe PJ can be one of the better two-way players in the NBA,” Thompson added. “There aren’t many players who can do what PJ does as far as guarding one through five, scoring from the outside, scoring on the interior, rebounding on both ends of the court. Very excited for him. I think he has another level to get to.”
GettyFORT WORTH, TEXAS – OCTOBER 06: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks looks to the sideline during the first half of a preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Dickies Arena on October 06, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dallas Mavericks Need to Bounce Back
The loss to the Spurs was clinical. It was embarrassing. Wembanyama was unstoppable, Stephon Castle added 22 points, and De’Aaron Fox didn’t even play.
Dallas entered the season with title hopes. After one game, it’s hard to say that those hopes have been dashed, but it’s clear that Flagg has longer to go than initially thought, the defense isn’t dominating, and the depth leaves something to be desired.
If Washington can emerge as a 20-point per game scorer and be one of the better defenders in the league, then Thompson’s prediction could come true. However, Dallas seems to have an uphill battle ahead of it.
Dallas will host the Washington Wizards on October 24, hoping to improve to .500 to start the season.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Klay Thompson Thinks Dallas Mavericks Have First-Time All-Star appeared first on Heavy Sports.