Kyrie Irving & Luka Doncic are having better NBA season than ‘prime’ LeBron James and Kyrie linkup in 2016, reveal stats
The Dallas Mavericks All-Star tandem of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic is having a better NBA season, as per available player stats, than the one 'Kai' had with prime LeBron James during their championship run with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Basketball-Reference.com shows the Irving-Doncic duo has better numbers in the key stats of points, rebounds and assists than what the linkup between Irving and James produced.
In Dallas, Irving's partnership with 'The Don' has resulted in combined averages of 59.5 points, 14.2 rebounds and 15 assists in the regular season. They were better than what he had with 'The King' in 2016: 44.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 11.5 assists.
Of the Mavericks' numbers, 32-year-old Irving accounted for 25.6 points, five rebounds and 5.2 assists.
The impressive numbers he and Doncic have booked helped Dallas secure the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoff race, punctuated by a spirited push down the stretch of the regular season, winning 12 of their last 15 games and finishing with 50-32.
They are going to meet the fourth-seeded LA Clippers (51-31) in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, beginning on Apr. 21, Sunday, in Los Angeles.
Of course, the partnership of Irving and James led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA title in 2016. Whether the Mavericks can duplicate it remains to be seen, but with their two All-Stars leading the way, they have solid pieces to work on going for it.
Kyrie Irving looking forward to challenge in the NBA playoffs
The Dallas Mavericks had an eventful NBA regular season that saw them finish 50-32. It is something that Kyrie Irving wants to help build on as they begin what he expects to be a challenging playoff run. Fifth-seeded Dallas is paired with No. 4 team LA Clippers in the opening round of the playoffs.
This season marks the Mavericks' return to the postseason after failing to make the cut last year. Interestingly, their playoff showdown with the Clippers will be the third between the two teams in the last five years.
In a Sports Illustrated report, Kyrie Irving shared his thoughts on their postseason push, highlighting how it will be challenging, considering how competitive the Western Conference is.
"We're looking forward to that challenge. We know the job isn't finished and we're just getting started," he said.
He added:
"We've done it in the regular season, that's good and dandy, but now this is where the grown-ups start to use their IQ, start to use their emotional intelligence, their physical intangibles, and may the best man win."
Kyrie Irving will be making his first postseason appearance with the Mavericks after joining them midway last season.