The recent announcement that Klay Thompson is joining the Dallas Mavericks sparked a wave of speculation across social media. Among the most vocal commentators was Skip Bayless, who asserted that Thompson’s presence could have tipped the scales in the Mavericks’ favor during the 2024 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.
Klay Thompson vs. Tim Hardaway Jr.: A Comparative Analysis
Bayless emphasized that Thompson would represent a significant upgrade over current Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. During the Finals, Hardaway Jr. averaged just 12 minutes per game and went scoreless in three out of four games. This performance paled in comparison to Thompson, a seasoned NBA Finals veteran with a 39.8% success rate from beyond the arc over 33 Finals games. Notably, Thompson has never been scoreless in a playoff game, let alone the Finals.
Klay Thompson’ Performance Metrics
Despite a rough outing in the Warriors’ Western Conference play-in game against the Kings last season, Thompson’s 2023-24 regular-season stats far outstripped Hardaway’s. His proven track record in high-stakes games suggests that he could have bolstered the Mavericks’ dismal 31.6% three-point shooting in the Finals, potentially altering the outcome of the series.
The Hypothetical Impact on the 2024 NBA Finals
While it’s speculative to say definitively whether Klay Thompson’ inclusion would have overturned the Celtics’ 4-1 series win, his shooting prowess and playoff experience might have narrowed the gap. Thompson’s ability to perform under pressure could have provided the Mavericks with the offensive boost they desperately needed.
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Skip Bayless Takes a Jab at Jerry Jones
In typical fashion, Bayless concluded his commentary with a swipe at Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. He remarked on the burgeoning trend of athletes transitioning from Bay Area teams to Dallas, hinting that this might extend beyond basketball.
Conclusion: What If?
The addition of Klay Thompson to the Mavericks certainly stirs the imagination. His sharpshooting skills and playoff acumen could have been game-changers in the 2024 NBA Finals against the Celtics. While we’ll never know the exact impact, it’s clear that Thompson’s presence would have significantly enhanced the Mavericks’ chances.
