"It doesn’t mean anything" - Kyrie Irving responds to 'best backcourt in NBA history' praise for him and Luka Doncic
With the Dallas Mavericks one win away from securing an NBA Finals berth, the hype surrounding their superstar duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving continues growing. Debates have begun about their ranking among the greatest backcourts in NBA history. However, Irving dismissed those conversations on Sunday, highlighting his championship goal.
Irving and Doncic delivered another sensational performance during Sunday's 116-107 Game 3 Western Conference finals victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. They tallied 33 points apiece as Dallas took a commanding 3-0 series lead.
The outing marked their third time crossing the 30-point mark in the same game this postseason. Per ESPN Stats & Info, they are the first starting backcourt to each score 30-plus points three times in a playoff run in the last 50 years.
Meanwhile, per StatMamba, they're on track to become the second duo in conference finals history to average 25-plus points per game while shooting 40.0%-plus from 3.
Irving and Doncic's electric shot-making, particularly in crunch time, has resulted in many fans and analysts proclaiming them the league's all-time most prolific guard pairing.
That includes NBA coach-turned-TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy. The 64-year-old called them the "most talented backcourt in the history of the NBA" in the closing moments of Sunday's Game 3 TNT broadcast.
During his postgame interview, Irving was asked about the growing buzz surrounding him and Doncic potentially being the greatest backcourt duo ever. The eight-time All-Star appeared caught off guard by the question before noting that they must win a title before deserving the honor.
"It doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win a ring together," Irving said. "I say that very responsibly, too. You know, not saying that we aren't great now, but there are other backcourts that are more deserving right now of that recognition. I think once we put a good run together, we can look back on it and reflect on it, and that'll be our time."
Irving and Doncic will look to guide Dallas to its first finals appearance since 2011 during Tuesday's Game 4 home clash against Minnesota.
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
Kyrie Irving on playing second fiddle to Luka Doncic
During Sunday's postgame interview, Kyrie Irving also touched on being labeled the Mavericks' 1B scoring option behind Luka Doncic.
Doncic is averaging 28.3 points per game through 15 playoff outings, while Irving is averaging 22.4 ppg. However, Irving reiterated that he isn't focused on individual recognition, but rather on team success.
"To be honest, I don't care," Irving said. "I leave that for the words that everybody's throwing around. I just care about winning basketball."
So, the 32-year-old appears as locked in as ever with the second championship of his 13-year career moving increasingly within his reach.
Also Read: "He wants that Chip bad": Kendrick Perkins leads applause of Kyrie Irving after Mavericks superstar runs riot in Game 3