Jason Kidd took a friendly jab at Kyrie Irving in the locker room after the Mavericks beat the Timberwolves in Game 2. Calling for a huddle after a speech, Kidd called for hands in the middle before making light of Irving’s free-throw woes. Irving found the shot funny and playfully fought with Kidd after the game.
“Alright, free throws on three, let’s go!”
"Alright, free throws on 3." 🤣
Jason Kidd takes a friendly swipe at Kyrie Irving, who shot 2-of-5 from the free throw line in the 1-point Mavs win.https://t.co/CEinQyC4FE
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 25, 2024
Irving missed two crucial free throws late in the game but made up for those misses by hitting a massive three-pointer a few minutes later. While Irving was uncharacteristically poor from the foul line tonight, going just 2 for 5, he more than made up for it with some big shots and big plays.
Kyrie Irving had 20 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in the game. He shot 7 for 16 from the field and 4 for 7 from the three-point line, putting up an efficient stat line in the win. Irving has proven many of his critics wrong during this playoff run, and showing why he is one of the most reliable playoff performers in the NBA today.
Irving is averaging 21.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in the playoffs, a solid stat line as the second option for the Dallas Mavericks. He and Luka Doncic have really come into their stride, and are proving themselves to be one of, if not the best duo in the NBA today.
Kyrie Irving On Luka Doncic’s Greatness
Kyrie Irving has had a turbulent few years in the league. Since leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers, there have been critics who have questioned his heart and desire. After disastrous stints in Boston and Brooklyn, Irving seems to have found a home in Dallas where feels respected and appreciated and has rewarded that respect and appreciation through his performances.
Irving and Doncic have formed a special connection as teammates. After the game, Irving spoke about Luka Doncic, and how he is amazed by his ascent to superstardom. Irving compared the joy of playing with Doncic to that he experienced while playing with LeBron James.
“It’s amazing. You make it sound like I’m 38 already. I’m the young guy of the older generation. I came in when I was 19, so I know I was trailing along around that older generation that’s been around for a while. For me, personally, I’m amazed. I don’t use that word lightly either… I think he’s answered a lot of calls. When Luka first came into the league, there were a lot of questions on what he was going to turn out to be. I know a few people are eating their words. Watching him ascend into becoming an all-time great is amazing and I don’t take it for granted because I played with one of the greatest of all time, arguably the greatest of all time… I want to be supportive and continue to be an all-time great next to him, continue to show him the ropes, and let him continue to fly.”
Kyrie Irving on Luka Doncic: “I’m amazed. I don’t use that word lightly either… I think he’s answered a lot of calls. When Luka first came into the league, there were a lot of questions on what he was going to turn out to be. I know a few people are eating their words. Watching… pic.twitter.com/7KivsKGhhv
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 25, 2024
Doncic has also shown Kyrie a lot of love in recent weeks. After Game 1, Doncic shouted out his teammate for setting the pace and keeping the Mavericks in the hunt, stating that they would have been down significantly had Irving not stepped up for them. The duo have been spectacular in these playoffs.
Doncic and Irving could help lead the Mavericks back to the NBA Finals for the first time in 13 years. The last time the Mavericks won the NBA championship, neither Irving nor Doncic were in the league. They will have their eyes set on making history for the franchise. But they cannot lose focus, as the Timberwolves have shown that they are not a team to be underestimated.
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