Next Step For Mavs' Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving? Off-Court Chemistry Building
DALLAS — When Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 82 of the Dallas Mavericks' 133 points in Thursday's win against the Philadelphia 76ers, it showcased how dynamic the two superstars can be together. Irving had his first 40-point game as a Maverick after finishing with just 16 the game prior.
“Luka was ready for the party,” Irving said. “I was ready for the party tonight. It was one of those games where we had some special performances. I’m just grateful that the work translated because it could have gone either way.”
Irving is now averaging 27.3 points, 6.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds in the six games that he's played with Doncic. Meanwhile, Doncic is still setting the tone at an incredible level, averaging 32.5 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.3 assists during the performances he's shared the floor with Irving.
It's not complicated for two perimeter superstars like Doncic and Irving to play together in the grand scheme of things. Irving is a highly efficient scorer capable of attacking closeouts, thriving in off-ball actions, and can initiating in any way imaginable. It's easy for Doncic to see the cohesive nature of his co-star's skill-set.
"Playing with Kai is so easy," Doncic said. "He helps me a lot. The offense I don't think is a problem. I think offensively, we're good."
What's the next step? Off-court chemistry building. Doing so will require the two superstars to spend time together, at least in the opinion of Mavs coach Jason Kidd, who has plenty of firsthand experience in such matters.
“I think it’s just a matter of time that Luka and Kai spend time off the court,” Kidd said. “At dinner [or] for coffee, so they can get to know each other better. We’re doing this on-the-fly on the court, but I think the relationship off the court is big too.”
Given that Irving is still adjusting to living in a new city after being traded midseason, the best opportunity for him to spend that kind of time off-court with Doncic will be on the road.
“I think me and Luka will have a lot more time moving forward to hang and chill,” Irving said. “I think the road is meant for that, building those types of bonds.”
Even when there are big games from both Doncic and Irving, it's a continued process for them and the team as a whole to continue to build continuity. Whether it's to add more layers to the half-court offense, learning more nuances for tendencies and capabilities, or ironing out the concerning defensive shortcomings, it's a process.
"I just enjoyed watching those two working off of each other," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. "As much as we play the game on paper, it's still played on the court. They've got to work through the kinks, but I think at the end of the day, we'll be happy with what we have."
The Mavs' next chance to continue to build as a team will be on Sunday when they take on Irving's former co-star, Kevin Durant, in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here.
Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.
Follow Grant Afseth on Twitter.
