Mavs’ Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Combine for 70 Points in 3 Quarters: ‘We Were Locked In’
Luka Doncic is on an absolute tear this season, putting up MVP-level numbers and coming off historic monthly averages in December. However, every superhero needs their sidekick, and the injury-plagued Dallas Mavericks appear to finally have the best version of Kyrie Irving back.
In his second game back from a 12-game absence due to a heel contusion, Irving put up big numbers alongside Doncic as the Mavs blew out the Portland Trail Blazers, 126-97. The star duo combined for 70 points through just three quarters of action — 41 for Doncic on 13-21 shooting overall and 4-7 from deep, and 29 for Irving on 10-19 overall and 4-8 from deep.
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"[It was a] great response to what happened in Utah. [It was] just what we talked about this morning and being able to be focused. I thought the ball movement was great. Defensively, again, [it] was really, really good. We were locked in,” head coach Jason Kidd said.
“A lot of great performances by our two stars to get us started. Kai [Kyrie Irving] didn't wait tonight. He was aggressive. And then Luka [Doncic] was Luka."
After laying an egg in Utah to start 2024, the Mavs made sure to bring the correct energy to American Airlines Center on Wednesday as they started their season-long seven-game homestand. Irving taking on more of an aggressive mindset played a big role in Dallas getting back in the win column.
"I think it started at the tip of the game in setting the tone, setting our mentality in how we wanted to play for the rest of the game,” Irving said.
“I feel like when we played against the Jazz, including myself, I didn't get off to a good start, so I just wanted to take it upon myself to galvanize the group and stay aggressive in those first few possessions and really get a good feel of where my body is and where my mind is and just live with the results."
Now at 20-15 on the season, the Mavs will have an opportunity to tack on another win against the Blazers on Friday before having a big test against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Dallas is 3-0 against Portland and will be going for the season sweep.
