Mavs Step Back: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic Clutch in Win vs. T-Wolves; Highlights & Instant Reactions
Heading into Sunday's matchup with the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks had a chance to secure their best win of the season. Despite being shorthanded with Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum being out, the Mavs pulled off the gutsy win in the clutch, 115-108.
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic led the way for Dallas, scoring a combined 69 points. Irving finished with a game-high 35 points on 14-27 shooting to go with eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks. Doncic had 34 points on 12-26 shooting to go with six rebounds, eight assists and one steal.
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After going into the fourth quarter with a nine-point lead, the Mavs found themselves down 106-100 with 3:30 remaining before going on a 15-2 run to take down the league's best clutch team.
“It was a good test for us to play against one of the hottest teams in the league. Their record speaks for itself. I think our focus level was at a great point tonight. We had some points of emphasis in the game plan that we really stuck to and the ball found who we wanted it to," Irving said.
"We were dialed in from the beginning of the game. It feels good when you can go blow-for-blow with one of the best teams in the league. I think, offensively and defensively, you’re challenging yourself. These are the type of games you want to be a part of. In the regular season, it’s not too often you get to go against some of the best of the best in the league and tonight was a great test for us. We showed where we can still improve, but also it took an effort for us tonight to get this win.”
On the latest episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we give instant reactions to what we witnessed on Sunday night. Not only do we give Doncic and Irving their much-deserved props (we also show their individual highlights if you watch the podcast on YouTube), but we also tip our hats to Dwight Powell and Derrick Jones Jr. for their important contributions.
You can watch or listen to the entire episode below. Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts!
