“Without him we’d probably be down 20,” Luka Doncic gets real about Kyrie Irving’s effect on Game 1 against Wolves

Luka Doncic praises Kyrie Irving for an amazing performance in game 1.

“Without him we’d probably be down 20,” Luka Doncic gets real about Kyrie Irving’s effect on Game 1 against Wolves

Luka had high praise for Kyrie after game 1.

Luka Doncic was jubilant after the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one of the Western Conference Finals. The Mavericks have the advantage heading into game two, thanks to an aggressive performance from Kyrie Irving. After the game, Luka Doncic had nothing but praise for his teammate. 

He (Kyrie Irving) got us going. Without him, we would probably be down 20 in halftime. So he had us going, I had to help him in the second half a little bit.
Luka Doncic after the game

While it was a good game from Kyrie, it wasn’t just his heroics that took the Mavericks over the line. Luka Doncic also brought his A-game to take down the best defensive team in the league.

In the 41 minutes, while he was on the court, Doncic scored 33 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds. It was a solid all-round performance from Doncic. Kyrie Irving was just as impressive, scoring 30 points with 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

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Kyrie talks about his leadership role at the Mavericks

It is possible that Irving’s maturity is responsible for a significant portion of Dallas’ success thus far this season. Irving is the only player on the Mavericks who has ever won a championship, and this accomplishment has enabled him to act as a guide and mentor to his younger teammates.

You get motivation from failure, and you get inspired... This year, I really just focused on doing the little things. If my points came, they came, but I wanted to make sure we felt good as a team after every single game. .
Kyrie Irving on Inside the NBA after the Game 1 win

Irving also mentioned that this role means a lot to him and the opportunity of acting as a leader and leading the team deep into the playoffs is something that he is not going to take for granted.

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