Klay Thompson lit up the court for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 21 of his 23 points in the first quarter and matching a franchise record by sinking seven 3-pointers in the period. The Mavericks triumphed over the struggling Washington Wizards, winning 130-108. Thompson's performance ties the record for 3-pointers in any quarter, previously set by Luka Doncic. Despite playing only 24 minutes, Thompson exhibited his shooting prowess after returning from a sprained ankle.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper contributed significantly with 20 points, while the Mavericks swiftly established a commanding lead against the league's worst team, pushing ahead by as much as 38 points before halftime. Meanwhile, the Wizards continued their dismal season, marking their 14th consecutive loss and struggling with their road game performance.

The Dallas Mavericks are set to face the Golden State Warriors again after both teams were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. In their previous encounter, Stephen Curry's late-game heroics secured a win for the Warriors, marking Klay Thompson's emotional return against his former team.

P.J. Washington is returning from illness, which is crucial as the Mavericks have struggled without him. He aims to improve the team's rebounding and overall performance against the Warriors, who may also be without key players due to injuries.

This matchup will be the Mavericks' 13th road game in 17 outings, highlighting their challenging schedule. The game also coincides with the trade eligibility for offseason signings, as the Warriors are finalizing a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Dallas Mavericks have faced significant injury challenges this season, particularly with star player Luka Doncic sidelined. Despite this, the team has managed to perform admirably, boasting a 5-1 record without him. However, the absence of P.J. Washington Jr. has been felt acutely, with the Mavericks struggling to a 1-5 record without him.

Washington has emerged as a key contributor, averaging 12.7 points and leading in defensive stats. His return to practice offers hope for the Mavericks as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors. Coach Jason Kidd emphasized Washington's importance in both scoring and defense, highlighting his all-around impact on the team's performance.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a second-year forward for the Dallas Mavericks, has recently begun to establish himself in the team's rotation, logging double-digit minutes in his last three games.

His increased playing time comes amid injuries to teammates PJ Washington and Naji Marshall, allowing him to showcase his potential. Prosper's performance includes scoring six points against the Oklahoma City Thunder and contributing effectively against the Toronto Raptors.

Although he was a first-round pick in 2023 and has yet to meet high expectations, his recent play suggests he could develop into a valuable two-way forward for the Mavericks.

The Dallas Mavericks are enjoying a solid season with a 16-8 record but remain active in trade discussions. Reports indicate that the Miami Heat are open to trading superstar Jimmy Butler, who has a hefty $48 million contract. As an unrestricted free agent next summer, Butler's future is uncertain, and the Heat are hesitant to extend his contract.

Butler has expressed interest in joining the Mavericks, along with the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. A potential trade could involve the Mavericks sending Kyrie Irving to Miami, along with other players, to acquire Butler. However, the Mavericks are likely reluctant to break up their successful duo of Irving and Luka Doncic, especially after a strong playoff run last season.