Mavs' Kyrie Irving Shares Major Praise for Luka Doncic: 'I Respect That Kid'
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks officially traded for Kyrie Irving on Feb. 10 before the midseason trade deadline, meaning in about a month, it'll mark a year since he joined the team. Irving, averaging 23.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, re-signed with the Mavs on a three-year, $120 million contract.
As the Mavs hold a 22-15 record, he sounds quite satisfied with his situation, especially given he has a superstar like Luka Doncic to help lead a team. After the Mavs' 115-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, Irving praised Doncic for how he led the Mavs during his 12-game injury absence, describing Doncic's season as "unbelievable" and describing it as an honor to be his teammate.
“I'm learning every day, and I don't think a year is enough to say you know someone very well, but I can say that from my observations and being on trips with him and us being together in the locker room and at practice and just little times where we find space to talk to one another as leaders on the team," Irving said of being Doncic's teammate. "He's a great player. I'm a great player. He's having an unbelievable season. So I try to encourage him, make sure I remind him that I see him carrying our team. He's been doing it with me out."
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Irving commended Doncic's daily handling of his business, especially how he plays through injuries to lead the Mavs to success. The Slovenian superstar has averaged 33.7 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.2 rebounds in 33 games this season.
"I respect that kid, and how he goes about his business every day, and even if he's on a bad wheel, he still plays," Irving said. "You have to really give credit to a guy like that, setting records and being his teammate; it's a pleasure, man. It's an honor. It makes the game easier. And I know he has the same things to say about me, about making the game easier for one another."
Doncic has continued to appreciate Irving's impact, commending him for the value the team sees when he's aggressive to score. Irving had numerous clutch 3-pointers to help guide the Mavs against the Timberwolves after facing a six-point deficit in clutch time, finishing with a team-high 35 points, while Doncic added 34.
"Yeah, it was great, always been great, always stays aggressive," Doncic said of Irving. "He's an amazing player, so we need him; everybody needs him to be just aggressive every time."
Given Irving's impact with the ball, Doncic conveyed his trust in Irving's abilities. The two are establishing a greater understanding of when to take the initiative to make the play. At the same time, the other gets off the ball, highlighted by Doncic revealing Irving stated he was tired, suggesting it was time for Doncic to initiate.
"It's Kai, man; it's easy to trust him with the ball to get a bucket," Doncic said of Irving. "In the end, when he made two 3-pointers, he told me he was tired, so I had to get the ball, but we're just letting him cook."
The Mavs now have a 12-7 record this season when Doncic and Irving are both in the lineup. The organization and both superstars are optimistic about what the team can achieve as they continue to build continuity together.
