Mavs’ Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic Thriving Amidst NBA Title Pursuit

Reflecting on his ability to connect with teammates and excel in high-stakes games, Irving emphasized the human element.

“That can sometimes help or hinder certain partnerships. I’ve learned how to be more mature in my approach to people’s emotions,” Irving said. Win, lose or draw, I’m still going to love you. And that matters when you say that to somebody. Go out and do your best and win, lose or draw, we’re brothers.”

His history as a sometimes secondary option does not detract from his achievements, including a critical three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals and high scoring averages alongside Kevin Durant and James Harden in Brooklyn.

Now aligned with Doncic, Irving’s performance remains stellar, averaging 26 points over 31 games without missing any, significantly impacting the Mavericks’ playoff trajectory.

Doncic has expressed confidence in their partnership, acknowledging Irving’s prowess.

“It’s Kyrie Irving. Everybody knows how he can play basketball,” Doncic said. “I knew since the beginning.”

Throughout his time as Irving’s teammate, Doncic has praised Irving’s talent while emphasizing how much easier the game comes by playing next to him in the backcourt.

“Like I said, it’s way easier,” Doncic said. “It’s unbelievable the things he does on the court, some movements I have never seen in my life. I think if I would have to play with somebody it would be him for sure, because those movements and shots are incredible.”

Irving also finds similarities in his relationship with Doncic to that with James, based on mutual respect and shared game-winning responsibilities.

“We just had a fluidity of where we were going to be on the court and we knew where we wanted the ball,” Irving remarked.

As the Mavericks gear up for a promising playoff run, Irving’s combined leadership, experience, and his ability to make memorable plays under pressure paint a hopeful picture for the team’s championship aspirations.

“When the going gets tough, you know you have somebody in the foxhole with you that’s ready to shoot all their ammo out. We need people like that that’s not afraid to empty their clip,” Irving concluded.

The playoff debut of the Doncic-Irving tandem will be on Sunday, Apr. 21, when the Mavericks play Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers.