Kyrie Irving explains referring to Luka Doncic as 'hermano' amid Mavericks' growing team chemistry
Kyrie Irving and the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks fell 123-118 in overtime during Sunday's road matchup against the Miami Heat. However, the close loss seemingly didn't make Irving too dispirited. Afterward, the 2016 NBA champion touched on his congenial way of addressing his injured co-star amid his squad's growing chemistry.
Following Friday's 123-120 road victory over the Denver Nuggets, Irving sent Doncic, who's been sidelined with a right wrist sprain since Tuesday, a heartfelt message.
Irving referred to the five-time All-Star as "hermano," which means "brother" in Spanish.
"We miss you, hermano," Irving said. "Hopefully, at home, you're happy, man. This is definitely one for him."
On Sunday, a reporter asked Irving about the reasoning behind his nationally televised message. He spotlighted his and Doncic's brotherly bond and the Slovenian superstar's multilingualism.
"I mean, he spent a lot of time in Madrid and spent a lot of time just learning different languages. He speaks four languages, so (I) just wanted to make sure — not just because it was on national TV — but because that's my brother, man," Irving said.
"I call him my 'hermano' or 'brate.' It's just a nickname just to remind him that it's genuine love there, man. I consider him part of my family, part of my tribe."
Irving is in what projects to be his second full season on the Mavericks after being acquired by the franchise at the 2023 trade deadline. Nevertheless, he and Doncic already appear to have developed strong camaraderie after their 2024 NBA Finals run.
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Kyrie Irving on Mavericks' mindset with Luka Doncic injured
During Sunday's postgame interview, Kyrie Irving touched on Dallas' mindset with Luka Doncic sidelined.
According to the eight-time All-Star, his shorthanded squad has embraced the challenge of playing without its top player.
"We miss him, obviously, but it's gotta be next man up mentality," Irving said. "These guys in this locker room, we wanna compete."
Irving added that Doncic's injury has given some of the Mavericks' new players increased opportunities to prove themselves in big moments.
"You've got some new guys on the team that are getting used to being in that position of getting everybody's best shot," Irving said. "There are no games off. So, it's an exciting time, but also, I would rather us be 100% healthy."
Dallas (9-8) is 2-1 without Doncic entering Monday's road clash against the Atlanta Hawks (7-10).
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