Irving has held the Mavs together as the team’s unquestioned leader. You’d think he’d have gotten the benefit of the doubt in the All-Star

Dallas Mavericks‘ recent 137-136 nail-biting victory over the New Orleans Pelicans highlighted more than just the team’s collective resilience—it underscored the importance of Klay Thompson’s evolving role within their system.

The latest misfortune in the Mavericks' injury-riddled season occurred Thursday night when the All-Star reserves were announced by TNT. Kyrie Irving, who had the best chance of qualifying for the Western Conference team, was not selected as part of the 14 reserves.

Even without important pieces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dereck Lively II, both teams' role players simmered the beef between the ball clubs. The usually well-mannered Thunder were hit with multiple technical fouls. PJ Washington continued to poke the bear.

Klay Thompson finished the win with 20 points, four rebounds and one assist while shooting 7/15 from the field and 6/11 from the three-point range in 29 minutes of playing time. Many people reacted to his performance on social media.

The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans will go head-to-head in a road game on Wednesday night. With the NBA All-Star Game reserves set to be announced on Thursday, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd explained why he believes Kyrie Irving deserves a spot on the roster.