Kyrie Irving was streaming live on Twitch and watching some of his highlights from the Dallas Mavericks’ 2023-24 season where Irving played a crucial role in leading the team to the NBA Finals. Amidst a sea of Kyrie highlights from last season, one of the most unexpected ones came when Kyrie caught a lob dunk on a pass from Luka Doncic in a game against the Jazz. He reacted to the highlight on stream.
“I really feel like you could throw it at any point, I am going to get it like James White. You could throw the ball anywhere and I’m going to get it. How else should I feel? Yes, I have bounce. *starts laughing* Ey bro, that was a nice dunk though. That’s probably one of the best dunks I’ve caught in the league, for sure, for sure.”
Kyrie was hyping up his bounce on his livestream tonight 😂🔥
(via Kai11xirving/Twitch) pic.twitter.com/R2uJqh6jls
— MFFL NATION (@NationMffl) September 5, 2024
Irving had a phenomenal season as the No. 2 option on the Mavericks, averaging 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. He did end the season with major question marks over his ability, averaging just 19.8 points and 5.0 assists in the NBA Finals, failing to lighten the offensive load on Doncic in any way.
Irving may be one of the best dribblers in NBA history but he’s also an elite offensive off-ball complement to a heliocentric star like Doncic. Klay Thompson also thrives off the ball with his movement, which should lead to open opportunities for both with Doncic often drawing at least two defenders when he’s looking to attack.
Kyrie likely won’t be hopping up for dunks like this one anymore, but he’s happy to remind fans every now and again that he could explode to the rim if he wants to. Given Luka had just two dunks the entirety of last season and was the scoring leader by a huge margin, it’s clear dunking isn’t the same barometer of skill and ability it once was.
Klay Thompson Knows He, Kyrie, And Doncic Will Be Hard To Guard
Klay Thompson knows he joined the perfect offensive setup in Dallas as his declining athleticism could feed well into the shooting requirements the Mavericks have from their perimeter players.
“Me playing with Luka and Kyrie, that’s what was attractive, was seeing how, especially watching that championship series… At this point in my career, I might not be able to run as fast as everyone or jump as high, but I can still knock down open shots and I think I can be that missing piece for them.”
This is the ideal situation according to Thompson because teams will always focus on stopping Luka and Kyrie from scoring before they worry about him, with the vertical threats of Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford also creating space.
“The [defense] can’t guard Kyrie and Luka. They can’t send as many double teams. They gotta worry about playing the backside. With Dereck Lively II, that’s what was also super attractive. Gafford is so good at catching lobs and finishing at the rim… I think we have a chance to do something special and win a championship.”
Klay averaged 17.9 points on 38.7% from three last season, hoping to prove to the NBA he isn’t as far past his prime as he looked at points last season.
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