Klay Thompson Cleared to Play as Mavericks’ Injury Crisis Deepens Amid Davis, Irving Absences
When Klay Thompson stepped onto the court for the Dallas Mavericks on November 17, 2025, it wasn’t just a return—it was a lifeline. After months of setbacks—ankle sprains, foot inflammation, knee swelling, leg fatigue, and back spasms—all labeled "day to day" with no clear timelines, Thompson was finally cleared. But the timing couldn’t be worse. The Mavericks, who reached the NBA Finals just 18 months ago, are now drowning in injuries. Six players were out for their back-to-back game that night, including Anthony Davis, the 32-year-old All-Star center whose $175 million contract is now overshadowed by a strained calf. The team’s home, the American Airlines Center in Dallas, felt eerily quiet. Not because of fans, but because of absence.
The Roster That Won’t Stay Whole
The Mavericks’ injury list reads like a horror show for a front office trying to build a contender. Daniel Gafford, 26, is managing a right ankle injury that’s kept him out of five straight games. Dereck Lively II, 21, the defensive anchor they drafted with high hopes, is sidelined with a right knee sprain. And then there’s Davis—once the league’s most dominant two-way big—now limping through rehab. His absence isn’t just about scoring; it’s about rim protection, rebounding, and leadership. Without him, the Mavericks’ interior defense collapsed. They allowed 124 points per 100 possessions in his last three games without him. That’s top-five worst in the league.Enter Moussa Cisse, the 6’10" Senegalese forward on a two-way deal. On November 17, he started his first NBA game. In 10.8 minutes per contest before that, he averaged 4.4 points and 3.6 rebounds—solid for a bench guy, but not enough to fill the void. He played 28 minutes that night. Scored 8. Grabbed 11 rebounds. Blocked three shots. It was raw. It was gritty. And it was all the Mavericks had.
Thompson’s Quiet Struggle
Klay Thompson used to be the guy who showed up, shot 40% from three, and didn’t complain. Now, at 35, he’s vocal. In a candid interview with Sportskeeda on November 13, 2025, he didn’t mince words: "My Dallas journey has been rough for him with all the injuries that have hit the team." He didn’t say "us." He said "him." That’s telling. He’s not just talking about the roster. He’s talking about his own body. His shooting percentage? Down to 34.1% from deep—career low. His minutes? Cut back to 22 per game. He’s not just hurt. He’s exhausted."Injuries continue to rip through the roster," he told reporters, his tone flat, drained. The same Marca.com report that quoted him noted he’d stopped smiling at postgame interviews. That’s not just physical fatigue. That’s emotional burnout. And it’s contagious.
The Ghost of Kyrie Irving
Then there’s Kyrie Irving. The 33-year-old point guard, sidelined since early November with an undisclosed lower-leg issue, is reportedly "ahead of schedule." ESPN’s Marc Spears revealed on November 17 that someone close to Irving said he could play right now—if it were the playoffs. But the team’s record? 7-15. The health of Davis? Uncertain. The chemistry? Fractured. "Who’s running the show?" Spears asked. "What’s their record going to be? Will Anthony Davis be back?" Those aren’t rhetorical. They’re the real questions the front office is wrestling with. Irving’s return, according to HoopsRumors’ Rory Maher, won’t be decided by doctors alone. It’ll be a group decision—Irving, Jason Kidd, Cynt Marshall, and maybe even Luka Dončić.A Fractured Legacy
It’s hard to believe this is the same team that took the Boston Celtics to seven games in the 2024 NBA Finals. Back then, Luka Dončić was a 25-year-old MVP candidate. Now, he’s 26, carrying a team that’s lost five of its top six players to injury at some point this season. He’s averaging 31.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists—but he’s also turning the ball over 5.2 times per game. He’s not just playing. He’s holding the team together with his left hand while his right hand holds his own body together.The Mavericks’ medical staff has been under scrutiny since last season’s playoff run. Why did Davis’ calf strain happen in November? Why are three centers out simultaneously? Why does Klay Thompson, once the epitome of durability, now miss three games a month? The answers aren’t in the box scores. They’re in the training room, the weight room, and the quiet conversations between coaches and players who’ve lost faith in the system.
What’s Next?
The NBA season still has 50+ games left. The playoffs begin April 19, 2026. But the Mavericks are already playing for draft position. If they miss the playoffs, they’ll have a top-10 pick. If they stay healthy? Maybe they can claw back. But that’s a big "if." Thompson’s return gives them a shooter. Davis’ return gives them a defender. Irving’s return gives them a closer. But do they have the depth to survive a full season with all three back?Right now, the answer is no.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Klay Thompson’s return impact the Mavericks’ playoff chances?
Thompson’s return adds a reliable three-point threat to a team that’s shooting just 33.8% from deep this season—26th in the NBA. But his minutes are limited, and he’s not the same defensive anchor he once was. His presence helps spacing and takes pressure off Luka Dončić, but he can’t carry a roster missing three key frontcourt players. Without Davis and Lively, the offense still struggles to finish inside.
Why is Anthony Davis’ injury so critical to the Mavericks’ season?
Davis is the only player on the roster who can guard both centers and power forwards at an All-NBA level. His absence has turned the Mavericks into a sieve defensively—allowing 119.7 points per 100 possessions without him, compared to 108.3 when he plays. He’s also their second-leading rebounder and best rim protector. Losing him isn’t just a rotation issue; it’s a structural collapse.
What’s the timeline for Kyrie Irving’s return?
According to ESPN’s Marc Spears, Irving is targeting a return around the All-Star break in late January 2026. But the team won’t rush him. His return depends on the Mavericks’ record at that time and whether Anthony Davis is back. If they’re still in playoff contention, he might play earlier. If they’re out of it, they’ll hold him back to preserve his health for next season.
How has the team’s performance changed since last season’s NBA Finals run?
Last season, the Mavericks won 50 games and reached the Finals with a balanced roster and strong health. This season, they’re 7-15 through 22 games. Their net rating is -6.2—down from +4.8 in 2023-24. They’ve lost their identity as a fast-paced, three-point-heavy team. Now, they’re slow, turnover-prone, and overly reliant on Luka Dončić. The injuries haven’t just hurt—they’ve erased their system.
Is Klay Thompson’s decline due to age or injury?
It’s both. At 35, Thompson’s body naturally slows. But his shooting percentage has dropped 8.5% from last season, and his minutes are down 12%—despite being the team’s best pure shooter. His ankle and back issues have disrupted his rhythm. He’s not just physically tired; he’s mentally drained from the constant rehab cycles. His decline isn’t just aging—it’s the cumulative toll of injuries and lack of support.
Could the Mavericks trade for help before the deadline?
They could, but they’re capped out. With Davis’ $175 million deal and Irving’s $40 million salary, they have no cap space. Their best assets—draft picks—are tied up in previous trades. They’d have to include a young player like Cisse or Dorian Finney-Smith, which would hurt their future. Unless someone takes a bad contract off their hands, they’re stuck playing the hand they were dealt.
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