MINNEAPOLIS — Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving just needed some time together for the Dallas Mavericks to thrive around this formed-not-so-long-ago All-Star pairing. Patience can indeed pay off in this internet-fueled age of instant expectation. After a false start following Irving's midseason arrival in a trade with Brooklyn, as both players managed their own injuries and each other's styles and wound up missing the postseason altogether, the Mavericks sure hit their stride in year two of the dynamic backcourt duo.
They're still going, too, up to Boston for the NBA Finals beginning next week. “Those two worked at it,” coach Jason Kidd said after the Mavericks beat Minnesota to finish the Western Conference finals in five games. “It just didn't happen overnight.
” From Doncic's fearless 3-point shooting, crafty leaners in the lane and laser-like passes across the court to Irving's quickness to the basket, confident shot and savvy decision-making, the Mavericks are bringing plenty of special skills to the league's biggest stage. “It’s a beautiful combination. Those two play off each other, and you can see that they care about one another,” Kidd said, even praising their friendly competition to outdo one another on defense.
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving gets off a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in the NBA basketball playoffs, Thursday, May 30, 2024, in Minneapolis. Credit: AP/Matt Krohn W.
