The Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Washington Wizards with a commanding 130-108 win on Monday night, though the game never truly felt as close as the final score suggested. Dallas maintained a lead of at least 20 points for nearly the entire second half. Klay Thompson set the pace early, knocking down seven three-pointers in the first quarter, which propelled Dallas to an early advantage.
This win was a much-needed victory for Dallas, especially after a string of losses to teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets since Luka Dončić’s calf injury on Christmas Day.
Here are three key takeaways from the blowout win:
1. Klay Thompson Sets the Tone:
Even though Klay Thompson might not be the player he once was, he proved he can still deliver vintage performances. His 21 points, including seven three-pointers, echoed his peak Splash Brothers days and effectively took the wind out of Washington’s sails early on. After a quiet stretch in his previous five games, he made up for it with this standout performance.
2. Olivier-Maxence Prosper’s Growth :
Olivier-Maxence Prosper continues to improve. He set a career-high with 20 points, shooting 7/11 from the field, and also contributed five rebounds and two three-pointers. His recent growth makes him a player the Mavericks might want to keep in their rotation, even when everyone is healthy.
3. The Wizards Are Struggling:
The Wizards’ poor performance can’t be fully captured by the box score; watching them for 48 minutes is a painful experience. Dallas was frequently allowed open lanes to the basket, and despite missing key players like Luka Dončić, Dereck Lively II, and Naji Marshall, the Mavericks led by 20 or more points for the majority of the game. The Wizards’ rebuild is sure to be a long one.
