Shannon Sharpe reckons Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic don’t need to display their unselfishness
Shannon Sharpe believes Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving shouldn't be playing unselfish basketball in the clutch. The NBA's newest All-Star backcourt pairing was in a crunch during the Dallas Mavericks' 124-121 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Dallas were down three with the last possession. Kyrie and Luka handled the rock in that situation, but neither got a shot off as the play ended with the former turning the ball over. They had decent looks to attempt. However, their unfamiliarity with each other was on display, leading to a loss. Here's what Sharpe said about the situation on "Undisputed":
"Last night was a case of them showing, 'we're really not selfish, that we can fit together.' If Kyrie takes that shot and misses it... If Luka takes that shot, I'll live with it... They were playing hot potato."
“Luka and Kyrie have only played 2 games together and they’re both averaging 30 points. They don’t need to prove they’re unselfish, just go play your game.”
— @ShannonSharpe https://t.co/bN2BkIDqjM
Doncic and Irving have a reputation as two of the most clutch players in the league. Either one of them could've made the shot. However, they have only played two games. Doncic and Irving have averaged roughly 30 points apiece but need more fine-tuning to co-exist.
The Mavericks are off to a 0-2 start in the Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving era, but their individual performances and unselfishness are positive signs. However, they need to figure out how to maximize their ability to deliver in the clutch as teammates.
Dallas Mavericks have a good headache with the Luka Doncic-Kyrie Irving duo
There was plenty of uncertainty about whether Luka Doncic would be open to playing off the ball with another ball-dominant co-star like Kyrie Irving. The Slovenian hasn't played alongside a talent like Irving in his five-year career, so the concerns were legitimate.
But Doncic has put those concerns to bed. He has been a willing passer, allowing his new All-Star teammate to take over the charge when needed. That was on display when Irving went off for 26 of his 36 points in the fourth period in the loss against the T'Wolves, playing all 12 minutes, while Doncic had five points in five minutes on just one attempt.
Kyrie tonight:
36 PTS - 5 REB - 6 AST - 65% FG
Luka tonight:
33 PTS - 12 REB - 6 AST - 50% FG
Dynamic Duo. 🔥 https://t.co/uZXgvMwaHB
Irving made 11-of-12 shots in that stretch, helping the Mavericks come within touching distance of sending the game into overtime, despite Dallas trailing by 26 points at one stage.
The Dallas Mavericks have a good headache that their ball-dominant superstars have been willing to play off each other. Kyrie Irving had the hot hand and should've taken the final shot against Minnesota and passed if only Luka Doncic had a better look.
Once they make that adjustment, Kyrie and Luka could be the most unstoppable duo in the NBA.