When Kyrie Irving was traded to the Dallas Mavericks last year and paired with superstar Luka Doncic, some wondered if that new partnership would work, or even if it would last.
After all, Irving had developed a reputation as a me-first enigma, and both he and Doncic are ball-dominant players who don’t really thrive off the ball playing off teammates.
But the partnership seems to be going well this season, both in terms of basketball and the relationship between the two.
Irving said that he and Doncic have mutual respect and that they have put the team first, per Mavs Fans For Life.
“I think what gets overshadowed for me and Luka specifically is how good of teammates we are, you know on and off the floor. We are very selfless. Obviously, I have a ton of respect for him. He has a ton of respect for me,” Irving said.
Kyrie Irving: “I think what gets overshadowed for me and Luka specifically is how good of teammates we are, you know on and off the floor. We are very selfless. Obviously, I have a ton of respect for him. He has a ton respect for me.” pic.twitter.com/3mClfDrKJ9
— Mavs Fans For Life (@MavsFansForLife) February 29, 2024
Last season, some thought the Mavs had become dark-horse contenders once they had traded for Irving, but they instead plunged into a downward spiral that resulted in them missing the play-in tournament.
Despite some rumors that he might leave, Irving signed a contract extension last summer, and now Dallas has a solid 34-25 record and are in seventh place in the Western Conference.
Something that has made a difference is the addition of capable role players such as P.J. Washington, Dante Exum, Daniel Gafford, and rookie Dereck Lively.
Irving is averaging 25.9 points and 5.2 assists a game and Doncic is at a league-high 34.4 points, 9.7 assists and 8.8 rebounds a game, and both are shooting a high percentage.
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