SUMMARY
- Despite the lingering injuries and sickness, Luka Doncic managed to score 28 points along with 13 assists, and 7 rebounds.
- Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic showered each other with praise following the game as they move into the second round.
Even if Luka Doncic has a bad night, it doesn’t seem like he struggles too much. The Dallas Maverick managed to upset the LA Clippers in the first round after securing Game 6 in the series. The Clippers have experienced their second first-round playoff exit in a row while the Mavericks move ahead in the Conference Semifinals.
After the game, Doncic addressed the condition of his injury and sickness. “Terrible. I need some rest. See you [to the reporter],” he said before walking off the floor. It still seems like Doncic cannot find a rhythm offensively shooting 1-10 from deep and 9-26 from the field in total. The 5x NBA All-Star still managed to finish with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists, along with one steal and block.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic embrace each other’s efforts in the 4-2 series closeout vs Clippers
Ultimately, it was Kyrie Irving who erupted during the second half of the game finishing with 30 points on 11-19 shooting from the field. He made 5 three-pointers while making impressive defensive efforts against the Clippers’ James Harden. Kyrie held the former MVP to 16 points. The Mavericks made a couple of key roster changes midway through the season, adding Daniel Gafford and PJ Washington to the mix. Both players have been pivotal figures in the series.
Following the game, Kyrie said, “It’s a selfless group. You look around, we got guys that love playing defense. We got guys that love being aggressive on the offensive end. And we love doing the little things for each other. And we love to celebrate our small wins.” He added, “And that’s my hermano [while Luka Doncic passed by]. We really push each other off the court to be better. And then when we get on the court it’s just like synchronicity.”
Doncic also gave Kyrie props for leading the Mavericks during his offensive struggles. He said, “He’s amazing, man. [In] the first [half] I think he had two points. And then he finished with 30. It’s amazing, never count him out. Amazing just having him on the team.” Throughout the series, Kyrie averaged 25.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He scored 31 points in Game 1 and exploded for 40 points in Game 4.
The Mavericks’ big win relied on Kyrie Irving and they will count on him moving forward
It’ll all come down on Kyrie Irving’s shoulders if Luka Doncic’s health doesn’t improve over the next couple of days. Facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round will be a tough matchup, especially since they’re such a well-rounded team with Chet Holmgren dominating the paint.
KYRIE IRVING. DIFFERENT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7GStVg6fcl
— ESPN (@espn) May 4, 2024
Irving spoke about his role on the team moving ahead into the playoffs saying, “Oh it’s going to be up-tempo. We got a bunch of young guys. We’re going against, I think I read something that other day, I think I’m one of the oldest in the playoffs now. So, you know, I feel like it’s part of my responsibility to get my guys ready and be ready to be in OKC.”
Kyrie is in fact one of the oldest players left in the playoffs, and possibly the only veteran from the 2010s left the post-season. The 32-year-old guard will be joined by Al Horford (37), Mike Conley (36), Deandre Jordan (35), Jrue Holiday (33) and Gordon Hayward (34). Besides Holiday and Kyrie, neither of the other players has championship experience.