Postgame Reactions: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic Clutch; Dallas Mavs Survive LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers Comeback
The Dallas Mavericks improved to 10-5 on the season with a 104-101 road win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night ... but that final score ended up being much closer than it should've been due to a near-disastrous fourth-quarter collapse.
Entering the fourth quarter with a 91-71 lead, the Mavs only scored two points in the first six minutes of the final frame, giving the Lakers a chance to come all the way back and capture a lead late. After LeBron James, who ended up with 26 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, tipped in a missed shot by Austin Reaves to give the Lakers a 101-99 lead with 1:16 remaining, Kyrie Irving answered by draining a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer off an assist from Luka Doncic with 21 seconds left on the clock to give the Mavs the lead for good.
Doncic then stole a pass from James on the following possession, and Irving hit two more free throws to ice the win for Dallas. Doncic finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two steals, while Irving finished with 28 points, six rebounds and two steals while being a team-high +14 on the night.
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic shoots a Dirk Nowitzki-esque one-legged fadeaway over Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
On the latest episode of the Mavs Step Back Podcast, we give a full recap of Dallas' seventh clutch win in eight tries this season, which is impressive regardless of whether the game should've become a clutch game or not. The Mavs showed some mental fortitude to be able to lose a 20-point lead in the fourth, but still find a way to come out on top on the road.
From there, we talk about Doncic and Irving's chemistry, LeBron's unprecedented longevity, Richaun Holmes' impact after being the first big man off the bench in place of Dwight Powell, Josh Green pitching in 15 points in 22 minutes, Grant Williams' struggles from deep, Dereck Lively II's unfortunate injury in the third quarter (latest update provided at the 5:50 mark), Christian Wood not being able to back up his trash talk, and much, much more!
“It’s a long season, I don’t really care what people have to say," Green said after having a good performance. "We’ve had a great start this season. I just want to make sure I’m doing it the right way and find my rhythm."
You can watch and listen to the full segment below, and be sure to subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you get your podcasts! You can also leave us a review on Apple Podcasts for a chance to win future giveaways.
