Maxi Kleber soars for dunk in return as he proves why Dallas Mavericks need him

The Dallas Mavericks lost to the Indiana Pacers 124-122 on Tuesday evening. The game felt extremely familiar as Dallas dipped to 4-5 since trading for Kyrie Irving. Luka and Kyrie have won just one of their first five games on the floor together as Dallas has struggled to get stops, protect the rim, rebound, and keep their fouls in check. It is hard to win when allowing 124 points in 48 minutes, but the final game in February was not all bad.

Maxi Kleber played for the first time since Dec. 12. The 31-year-old tore his hamstring, which required surgery, and he made a miraculously quick recovery. Still, Kleber sat out 35 straight games, and the Mavs defense struggled mightily. They needed him back, and the 6’10 big man delivered in game one, despite being on a minute’s limit.

Kleber came off the bench for nine points, two assists, and one block in 24 minutes of action. Those numbers may not jump off the screen, but he was impactful as ever on both ends of the floor. Maxi produced a must-see highlight and made his entire team better, so here is a closer look at his performance against the Pacers on Feb. 28 and why the Mavs need him down the stretch.

Maxi Kleber soars for dunk as he proves why Mavericks need him in 1st game back from injury

Fans were buzzing about Kleber’s return to the lineup. He came off the bench, but supporters gave him a massive ovation when he was subbed into the game midway through the first quarter.

The 6’10 big man gave them something to scream about almost right away as he caught a pass from Reggie Bullock and attacked the rim for a monster dunk. Kleber wasted zero time in proving that he is healthy and ready for the stretch run. Watch the must-see slam below.

It is not just the highlights or the fan intrigue that makes Maxi Kleber one of the most valuable Mavericks. It is his unique skill set and ability to change the game.