The Dallas Mavericks added Kyrie Irving as the Slovenian wonder was putting up the typical NBA backcourt stats alone in most games. Given that they added a top-5 guard when they already had Luka Doncic, they ought to have the best backcourt in the NBA.
But, things are not turning out the way Mark Cuban and the company had anticipated. The Mavs are 3-4 since acquiring the 2016 NBA Champion, and the pair that should have been captivating is currently 1-3 when they have played together.
The Lakers game on Sunday night at home was unexpected. The Lakers were able to win the game 111-108 despite the Dallas club being up 27 points in the second quarter. Yet Irving, who is not well known for accepting blame for defeats as readily as praise for triumphs, did so this time.
Kyrie Irving Takes Responsibility for The Horrific Loss
Coming into the game, Irving was regarded as the master of the fourth quarter. He averaged 9.8 points in the fourth quarter of games, which led the league, but he only managed to score 4 points in this game because they had a comfortable lead after the first half.
They only needed to reduce errors, but strangely, Donic and Irving both struggled to do so. In the post-game interview, the latter, who committed 3 turnovers compared to Luka’s 6, accepted responsibility for it.
Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving took responsibility for how the non-Luka minutes went in the fourth quarter vs. the Lakers:
“Some great poise in the third quarter, but in that fourth quarter, I gotta do a better job of just getting us into some initiated offensive sets and just be https://t.co/hseAg2mS3M“>https://t.co/hseAg2mS3M pic.twitter.com/bA28zsHZf7
Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 27, 2023
With less than 20 seconds left in regulation, his pivotal pass from out of bounds prevented the Mavs from going 3-down and forcing OT. As they were both equally to blame for the readily preventable loss, an apology was inevitable. Both coach Kidd and the distraught-looking Luka had some crucial observations to make.
Mavs Had the Chance to Force OT
The execution of what should have been an easy Mavericks possession if Doncic gathered the ball, however, turned into a Lakers possession because Irving failed to communicate with his new teammate face-to-face.
1) Miscommunication between Kyrie & Luka during most important play of game
2) Kyrie signals to Luka after the turnover he was expecting something different
3) Jarred Vanderbilt is hell pic.twitter.com/dyKdvkxBsE
Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) February 26, 2023
Recognition also goes to Jarred Vanderbilt’s wits and hustle. But, these are the kinds of games that the Mavs pair would aim to win, not thrashing a pitiful Spurs club that is making an effort to tank. Before the postseason begins, let’s see if they can consistently defeat the teams vying for a playoff position.
As the Lakers play the Mavericks, LeBron James makes an epic chase-down block on former teammate Kyrie Irving.
