After Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kyrie Irving heaped praise on his teammate Luka Doncic, highlighting the young star’s impressive journey and performance. The Mavericks narrowly clinched a 109-108 victory, with Doncic nailing a game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds.
“I’m amazed. I don’t use that word lightly either. I’m amazed on how much time he puts on his body and how much time he puts on his craft. I’ve been saying it, but just that no fear mentally that confidence that he carries, he walks around with it. Of course, the awards come along with that too. “
“And the expectations come along. 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.”
Irving noted that when Doncic first entered the NBA, there were many doubts about his potential. However, Doncic has proven his critics wrong, evolving into an elite player. Irving drew from his own experiences playing with top-tier athletes, suggesting that Doncic’s journey mirrors that of the greatest players, who often face intense scrutiny and pressure but thrive under such conditions.
“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 up there with the top three, top four, and dealt with a lot of that criticism and pressure, shielding us from it as teammates.”
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
“And I think you see the same things that happen and occur with some of the greatest players that play. They take on a lot of pressure, and they love it, and they relish in it, and they love answering that call.”
“So for me, I just want to be supportive and continue to be all-time great next to him and continue to show him the ropes and let him continue to fly man. He’s already been doing it.”
Irving’s admiration extends to recognizing how Doncic manages and embraces the pressures of being a high-profile player. He sees Doncic as someone who relishes these challenges and consistently rises to the occasion just like his former teammate LeBron James. Irving expressed his desire to support Doncic, leveraging his own experience to guide him, while also acknowledging that Doncic is already excelling.
Irving’s reflections came after Doncic’s stellar performance in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, where Doncic hit a game-winning shot and recorded impressive stats, including a triple-double. Irving highlighted how Doncic’s performance under pressure exemplifies his ability to lead and succeed at critical moments.
Doncic’s game-winning shot capped off an incredible performance where he tallied 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. His heroics have propelled the Mavericks to a 2-0 lead in the series, with the team heading back to Dallas in a commanding position. Irving’s praise underscores the respect and admiration within the team, hinting at a bright future for the Mavericks with Doncic leading the charge.
Kyrie Irving Hailed Luka Doncic’s Performance In Clutch Situations
Kyrie Irving also expressed his admiration for Luka Doncic’s performance in clutch situations, particularly highlighting Doncic’s game-winning shot over Rudy Gobert in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. This pivotal moment secured a 2-0 lead for the Dallas Mavericks in the series. Irving attributes Doncic’s success in these high-pressure moments to his unwavering confidence and fearless mentality.
“I think it’s just his confidence and his fearless mentality. I’ve been talking about these young guys, but Luka’s, alongside JT, Ant, Jaylen Brown, a few, Trae Young, a few other guys that I haven’t named, but they’re part of that next generation that has that no fear mentality.”
“They’ll shoot from the parking lot, man, and it’ll look like it’s a great shot you know because they’ve been practicing it since they were young so he’s prepared for these moments and he’s built for these moments so when things like that happen I’m not surprised but as a brother I’m just nothing short of proud.”
"He's prepared for these moments and he's built for these moments so when things like that happen, I'm not surprised. As a brother, I'm nothing short of proud." 💯
Kyrie knew Luka would step up in the clutch 🤝 pic.twitter.com/d0Vjt1l39T
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 25, 2024
Irving mentioned that Doncic, along with other young stars like Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Brown, and Trae Young, represents a new generation of NBA players who embody a fearless approach to the game. These players are willing to take bold, long-range shots, a testament to the extensive practice and preparation they have put in since their early years.
Irving emphasized that Doncic is particularly prepared and built for such high-stakes situations. His consistent practice and natural ability make these seemingly audacious shots appear routine and well-executed. Irving’s respect for Doncic goes beyond professional admiration; he feels a sense of brotherly pride in witnessing Doncic’s achievements and growth.
Reflecting on the game-winner, Irving wasn’t surprised by Doncic’s success. He has come to expect such moments from his talented teammate, who has repeatedly demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure. Irving’s comments highlight not only Doncic’s current excellence but also his potential to continue being a clutch performer for years to come.
Irving’s praise for Doncic underscores the young star’s remarkable ability to excel in crucial moments. Doncic’s confidence, fearless mentality, and rigorous preparation have positioned him as a standout player in the NBA. Irving’s reflections reveal a deep sense of pride and respect for Doncic, viewing him as a key figure in the league’s future.
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