After a tense wait, the Dallas Mavericks welcomed back the versatile forward Maxi Kleber in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kleber, who had been sidelined since the first round due to a shoulder separation, was cleared to return to the court.
Known for his defensive prowess and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, Kleber’s return was expected to bolster the Mavericks’ frontcourt depth, especially in the absence of Dereck Lively II.
As the game unfolded, it became evident that Kleber’s journey back was not without its challenges. While his defensive contributions were notable, the rust from his absence was clear. The fluidity and sharpness that characterized his play were intermittently visible, overshadowed at times by a hesitancy that spoke of his recent recovery.
It was evident that Kleber has to find his way back into a in-game routine, which also was visible during one specific team huddle. In a hilarious clip gone viral, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. were hilariously frustrated in unison with Kleber being late to a team huddle.
— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) May 29, 2024
