During the intense 2025 Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals, a Dallas Mavericks player made a striking claim about Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, sparking debate about his place in hockey history. At a critical Game 5 in Dallas, Mavericks’ Brandon Williams and Max Christie, both part of the NBA team’s young core, openly admired McDavid’s talents while supporting their city’s hockey team. This Connor McDavid hockey GOAT claim at Stanley Cup playoffs comes as McDavid reached a major NHL milestone, deepening the conversation around his legacy.
Dallas Athletes Witness McDavid’s Historic Playoff Feat
The clash between the Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 was electrified not only by the stakes—a possible trip to the Stanley Cup Finals—but also by the presence of NBA players immersed in hockey. Brandon Williams and Max Christie were in attendance, fully engaged and mic’d up to share their reactions live. Their enthusiasm amplified the crossover excitement as they took in the game atmosphere at the American Airlines Center, blending basketball energy with rinkside passion.
In this defining game, McDavid further solidified his place in NHL history by becoming the second fastest player to reach 100 career playoff assists, doing so in just 90 games. The only player with a quicker pace was the legendary Wayne Gretzky. McDavid’s performance under such high pressure showcased his exceptional skill and added fuel to the ongoing discussion about his standing among hockey’s all-time greats.
Mavericks’ Max Christie Praises McDavid as a Hockey Legend
As the game unfolded, the Mavericks stars openly expressed their awe over McDavid’s abilities. Max Christie, clearly impressed, said,
“Connor McDavid is cold, man,”
highlighting his amazement. Brandon Williams, less familiar with hockey lore, queried,
“Is he like, one of their best players?”
To which Christie responded decisively,
“You can argue he is the goat of hockey,”
and added,
“Like Wayne Gretzky, and yeah? Like top 5 all time. I swear to god.”
Their candid comments underline how McDavid’s prowess resonates beyond hockey circles, attracting admiration even from athletes of other sports.
Shortly after the endorsement, McDavid scored a dazzling goal, reigniting the crowd’s excitement and the Mavericks duo’s enthusiasm. Christie exclaimed, “He’s so cold, bro!” while Williams marveled at the speed, saying,
“How is he so fast? Like he was gone, bro.”
Despite rooting for the Dallas Stars, their respect for McDavid’s skill was unmistakable.
Mixed Emotions as Mavericks Witness Rival’s Dominance
While McDavid’s brilliance thrilled many, it was bittersweet for the Mavericks’ representatives who were present to support their hometown hockey team. Watching McDavid score against the Stars brought a degree of personal pain. Christie admitted,
“That hurt my soul a little bit,”
with Williams concurring,
“That hurt, I ain’t gonna lie.”
Such reactions underline how extraordinary McDavid’s talent is—capable of affecting fans and players even from competing sports in real time.
Unpredictable Offseason Unfolds for Dallas Mavericks Amid NBA Draft Lottery Win
While the Stanley Cup playoffs generate excitement, the Dallas Mavericks are navigating their own volatile offseason in basketball. Recently, the Mavericks won the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery unexpectedly, gaining the top overall pick. This is a critical opportunity to reshape the roster after trading away their superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the year—an action that divided their fanbase and left the team’s direction uncertain. Dallas now eyes consensus top NBA prospect Cooper Flagg as a potential cornerstone for the future.
However, turbulence surrounding the Doncic trade adds complexity to the Mavericks’ rebuilding effort. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts revealed publicly that he was not informed beforehand about the trade, learning about it only by phone from team owner Patrick Dumont while in bed on February 1, 2025. Welts described his shocked reaction, stating,
“I’m like, ‘Who is this? Who is this really?’ So yeah, I found out about an hour before you did.”
This lack of internal communication has raised questions about the organization’s management transparency heading into a pivotal offseason.
Challenges Ahead with Mavericks’ Arena and Team Composition
Adding to the uncertainty, the Mavericks are planning a potential departure from the American Airlines Center, signaling a significant change in home arena and potentially disrupting team stability during the rebuild. The logistical and financial burdens of such a move come at a delicate time for the franchise, complicating momentum as they prepare to integrate new talent and navigate the NBA landscape.
The roster itself faces a period of transition. Young players like Brandon Williams and Max Christie, once expected to play supporting roles alongside Doncic, now find themselves on a team caught between rebuilding and contending. Veterans such as Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis remain on the squad, making roster decisions challenging. The arrival of a high-profile draft pick like Cooper Flagg is sure to further alter the team dynamics.
League Observers Watch Dallas With Cautious Interest
Across the NBA, executives acknowledge the Mavericks’ situation as one of the most unpredictable entering the offseason. With shifts in leadership, trade fallout, and uncertain team direction, Dallas is poised for a tumultuous period. How the franchise navigates these challenges will greatly impact its future competitiveness and organizational stability.
The buzz around Connor McDavid’s status as a hockey GOAT during the Stanley Cup playoffs has intersected with a dynamic moment for Dallas sports as a whole, linking hockey and basketball fans through shared city pride and athletic excellence. As the Mavericks attempt to rebuild and redefine their identity, McDavid’s continued quest for hockey immortality offers a contrasting narrative of consistent greatness in the sport.