NBA Southwest Division Playoff Drama: Klay Thompson’s Redemption, Mavericks Front Office Turmoil, Joe Dumars’ New Challenge, and Rockets vs. Warriors Showdown Klay Thompson’s Comeback Game Ignites Mavericks’ Play-In Win Over Kings Klay Thompson found redemption in the Mavericks’ play-in tournament victory over the Sacramento Kings. He gave a classic performance that showed fans why he is still one of the best shooters in the league. Dallas secured a shot at the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference thanks to Thompson’s 23 points, including five three-pointers, in a crucial 108-100 victory.
The context, Thompson’s 0-for-10 shooting performance in a play-in loss to the same Kings in his final Golden State Warrior game, made this performance even more significant. That disappointing outing led many to question whether his best days were behind him. However, Klay dispelled those doubts this week. Thompson stated to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, “I wasn’t going to define myself off of one bad shooting night.” “I’ve had some of the best shooting nights in the game’s history… I try not to think about that, but you do sometimes because you’re human. But you just keep going out there and do what you love.”
This mentality clearly paid off. Thompson looked composed, confident, and aggressive—qualities that have made him a five-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion. Mavericks Advance to Face Grizzlies in High-Stakes Matchup for No. 8 Seed With the Kings in the rearview mirror, the Dallas Mavericks now head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies for the coveted No. 8 playoff spot. It’s a must-win scenario that Thompson welcomes with open arms. “I’m still alive. I’m excited,” he said. “I get to go to Memphis. It was really fun because you could just be fully immersed in the experience, and we’ve had a tumultuous season, to say the least.” Indeed, the Mavericks’ season has not gone as planned. Injuries, locker room drama, and inconsistent rotations have plagued the team. Yet, with Thompson catching fire and Luka Dončić continuing his MVP-caliber play, Dallas remains dangerous.
Their game against Memphis promises to be a battle between youth and experience, firepower and grit. With stars like Ja Morant and Desmond Bane leading the charge for the Grizzlies, the Mavericks will need every bit of Thompson’s playoff experience and Dončić’s brilliance to keep their season alive. Internal Struggles: Nico Harrison’s Press Conference Sparks Controversy Amid the on-court action, the Mavericks are facing significant off-court turbulence. ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that general manager Nico Harrison was forced into a tense, closed-door press conference—one he reportedly didn’t want to participate in. “Nico Harrison did not want to do this closed-door roundtable. During an appearance on NBA Countdown, Charania stated, “This was not his idea.” “This was something that their owner, Patrick Dumont, enforced.” The conference gained attention due to Harrison’s firm stance on not regretting the franchise’s decision to trade Luka Dončić—a remark that sent shockwaves across the NBA landscape. Some people saw it as bad public relations, while others saw it as a deliberate message from ownership. The Mavericks don’t need drama at the top of the organization when the team is fighting for its existence in the playoffs. But in Dallas, internal politics seem to be part of the storyline, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season. Joe Dumars Takes Over Pelicans: Big Decisions Loom in New Orleans The New Orleans Pelicans have appointed Joe Dumars as president of basketball operations, a significant move in the Southwest Division. Dumars, a Hall of Fame player and respected executive, brings three years of league office experience and a strong track record of success from his days running the Detroit Pistons. Commissioner Adam Silver expressed high praise for Dumars, calling him “one of the most genuine and respected people in all of basketball.” “His exceptional playing career and tenure as an executive provided him with an elite understanding of the game and strong relationships around the NBA,”
Silver said. “We are grateful for Joe’s leadership over the past three years and wish him well as he begins his new role with the Pelicans.” But Dumars walks into a franchise facing two pivotal decisions: 1. Will Head Coach Willie Green Be Retained? Green has had some success with this Pelicans roster, particularly in developing young talent like Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, and Dyson Daniels. However, Dumars must decide whether Green is the right leader for the long term after another season of inconsistency and identity questions. If Dumars chooses to part ways, the Pelicans could be one of the most attractive coaching destinations in the NBA—loaded with talent but in need of direction. 2. What’s Next for Zion Williamson? Perhaps the biggest decision Dumars faces is what to do with Zion Williamson. When healthy, Zion is a game-changing force—an All-NBA caliber player with unmatched athleticism. But persistent injuries and off-court distractions have made his long-term future uncertain. Trade rumors have followed Zion for two seasons, and now with Dumars at the helm, the franchise must choose: build around Zion or cash in on his trade value and pivot. Dumars’ experience and leadership could bring the clarity New Orleans has been missing. His track record suggests he won’t shy away from tough calls, and fans can expect significant moves this offseason. Rockets Face Warriors: Ime Udoka Aims to Neutralize Golden State’s Playoff Edge While the Pelicans and Mavericks navigate drama and transition, the Houston Rockets are preparing for a high-stakes playoff clash against the Golden State Warriors. Despite finishing as the No. 2 seed in the West, the Rockets enter the series as betting underdogs—largely due to Golden State’s wealth of postseason experience. For Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, that’s a narrative he’s eager to challenge.
“The experience for our young guys will be new,” Udoka told Mark Medina of Athlon Sports. “But as far as me and my staff and what we’ve experienced, I don’t think there is a whole lot that’s going to surprise us.” Udoka, who guided the Boston Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals, knows what it takes to succeed in the postseason. He brings a defensive-minded approach that has helped transform the Rockets into one of the league’s most disciplined and physical teams. Led by Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston has the talent to compete. But they’ll need to match the Warriors’ poise, shot-making, and veteran savvy. Despite the lower seed, Warriors remain dangerous. Though they enter as a lower seed, the Warriors are still loaded with playoff-tested talent. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Andrew Wiggins remain a formidable core. Add in breakout contributors like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski, and you’ve got a team capable of pulling off an upset.
The key will be whether Houston’s youth can adapt quickly to playoff intensity. Game 1 will set the tone, and all eyes will be on Udoka’s ability to orchestrate a game plan that neutralizes Curry’s gravity and forces Golden State into tough possessions. What’s Next in the Southwest Division? The NBA Southwest Division is shaping up to be one of the most compelling battlegrounds in this year’s playoffs. With the Mavericks surging, the Pelicans resetting, the Rockets rising, and the Warriors still looming, every game has implications not just for this season—but for the long-term trajectories of multiple franchises. As we head deeper into the postseason, keep an eye on: Klay Thompson’s potential resurgence and what it means for his future in Dallas. The Grizzlies-Mavericks play-in clash, which could catapult one franchise into a Cinderella run. Joe Dumars’ decision-making in New Orleans, which could reshape the Pelicans’ core. Ime Udoka’s chess match with Steve Kerr, a battle of tactical wits in one of the most intriguing first-round matchups. Final Thoughts From redemption stories to power struggles, the Southwest Division is delivering must-watch drama on and off the court. Whether you’re tuning in for Thompson’s comeback, Zion’s future, or a Rockets-Warriors thriller, one thing is clear: the road to the NBA Finals just got a lot more interesting.