They say everything’s bigger in Texas, and Patrick Mahomes‘ faith in the Dallas Mavericks is no exception. The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback may have jokingly predicted a Game 1 stumble against the Minnesota Timberwolves but make no mistake – he’s convinced his squad has the firepower to rally. “We’ll lose tonight for sure…but when I come back after Memorial Day, the Mavs will be up 2-1,” Mahomes declared on “First Things First.”

Mahomes’ unwavering support stems from his keen observations of the team’s dynamics. He’s been impressed with the stellar play of Luka Doncic, the Slovenian sensation who had Mahomes tweeting “MVP” after a 39-point masterclass against the Hornets. Alongside Doncic is the sharpshooting Kyrie Irving, a duo Mahomes believes got as good a chance as anybody of winning it all if they bring their A-game.

But it’s not just the star power that has Mahomes bullish on the Mavs. He’s equally excited about the mid-season acquisitions of athletic wing Derrick Jones Jr. and the versatile PJ Washington. “Kyrie’s been playing great ball um Derek Jones Jr’s been playing great defense PJ Washington playing defense and offense um they did a lot of great things at the trade deadline” Mahomes recalled from a Nuggets game, likening it to a key free agency signing that bolsters an NFL roster.

Just as Mahomes thrives under pressure on the gridiron, he expects Doncic and Irving to rise to the occasion against the Timberwolves’ stifling defense led by Rudy Gobert and Anthony Edwards, the latter of whom has “been dominant” according to the quarterback. It’s a challenge reminiscent of facing a blitz-happy defense, but one Mahomes is confident the Mavs’ offensive firepower can overcome.

Mahomes’ insights reflect a deep understanding of the game, drawing parallels between football and basketball strategies. Just as he dissects defensive schemes in the NFL, the quarterback breaks down the Mavericks’ path to victory.

Patrick Mahomes’ gridiron genius unpacks Mavs’ battle plan!

When dissecting the Mavericks’ clash with the ferocious Timberwolves defense, Patrick Mahomes brings a unique “coaches’ lens” honed from years of outwitting NFL defenses. “It’s going to be a great series…but I think the Mavs have what it takes,” the QB stated on First Things First, setting up an epic offense vs defense showdown.

“I think uh Luca getting a few days off getting a little healthier um and being more like the Luca we saw in the playoffs in the past I think that can get us over the top” he astutely noted.

Like an OC drawing up counters to a fierce pass rush, Mahomes broke down how the Mavs’ mid-season trades for “after the trade deadline and you can see the athleticism that they kind of brought in and I think if Luca plays the way that Luca can play and Kyrie plays like Kyrie they got as good a chance of anybody of winning “. His confidence that Dallas’ dynamic backcourt can navigate Minnesota’s elite defense mirrors an elite QB maintaining poise against relentless pressure.

As Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels bluntly stated, “It’s what we do best..That’s not a secret at this point.” A reality that has Mahomes likening this matchup to an old-school AFC North slugfest pitting “two great offensive players” in Doncic and Irving against “two great defensive players” in Edwards and McDaniels.

With the Mavs aiming to #RunItBack and capture their first chip since 2011, the QB’s “chalkboard wisdom” from straddling both sports provides the perfect game plan for fans to appreciate the strategic battles ahead.