"Doesn’t mind being second or 1B" - Jason Kidd gives insightful take on Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving tandem
Dallas Mavericks superstars Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving continued their offensive dominance during Sunday's 116-107 Game 3 Western Conference finals win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Afterward, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd broke down what allows the backcourt duo to thrive together.
Doncic and Irving combined for 66 points on 22-for-40 (55.0%) shooting, including scoring 21 of the Mavericks' 29 fourth-quarter points. They outscored the Timberwolves 21-20 by themselves to help Dallas obtain a commanding 3-0 series lead.
With 33 points apiece, the outing marked their third of the postseason each scoring 30-plus points. They became the first starting backcourt to achieve the milestone in the last 50 years.
Following their standout performance, Kidd touched on Irving's sacrifice accepting a secondary offensive role behind Doncic. He also raved about the eight-time All-Star's mindset amid his quest for his second NBA championship.
“When you talk about maturity and skill set, they fit," Kidd said. "Kai’s been around the block, he’s been with great players, and he doesn’t mind being second or 1B. You just don’t find that a lot of times in this league. ... He's patient, he's calm, his energy is in a positive place, he loves Dallas and he loves this group of guys."
Kidd also praised Doncic's offensive repertoire, highlighting his and Irving's late-game trust in each other.
"For Luka, his skill set is like no other," Kidd said. "... He’s not afraid of the moment, but he’s [also] not afraid in being able to go to Kai. ... The trust they have in one another is really cool to watch.”
Through 15 playoff outings, Doncic and Irving are averaging a combined 50.7 points per game. However, they have increased their scoring average to 60.4 ppg over the West finals' first three contests.
They will look to continue their offensive mastery and book a trip to the NBA Finals during Tuesday's Game 4 clash in Dallas.
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Kyrie Irving reiterates Jason Kidd's comments on his mindset amid remarkable playoff run
Kyrie Irving also touched on his acceptance of being a No. 2 scoring option during his Game 3 postgame interview.
When asked about being labeled a 1B to Luka Doncic's 1A, the 32-year-old noted that he "doesn't care" what people consider him. He added that he "just cares about winning basketball."
Meanwhile, Doncic said he has learned "a lot" from Irving during their first season and a half together. He added that Irving has "brought calmness" and "maturity" to the Mavericks.
So, the superstar backcourt's chemistry appears to be peaking ahead of their potential finals run.
Also Read: "Just one more, we need one more, nothing is done" - Luka Doncic stresses what he told Kyrie Irving after taking 3-0 lead over Minnesota Timberwolves