We point to the average performances of Darius Garland at the Cavaliers, or of Karl-Anthony Towns at the Wolves, but Kyrie Irving does not have a great series against the Thunder. Serving the collective, the Mavericks leader averages 15 points after four games. That's eleven units less than in the first round against the Clippers, and it's 10 fewer than in the regular season. However, to overcome the Thunder obstacle, Dallas absolutely needs Irving's points. Especially since it takes pressure off the shoulders of an injured and tired Luka Doncic.
“Kyrie has been in the NBA for 13 years. He knows how to score. He knows when to do it.” Jason Kidd defends him. “For us, it's about putting him in a position to succeed and hopefully he can get going a little quicker… It's important that Kyrie has the opportunity to get shots, especially open shots . But Kyrie is going to play his game, at a high level, and we're confident he'll be ready for Game 5 and put us in a position to win. »
Only three 3-pointers taken per game
What if this Game 5 was Kyrie Irving's match, he who did not exceed 22 points in this series? As Kidd explains, the most important thing is to give him the opportunity to shoot. Against the Thunder, Irving takes 12 shots on average, including only 3 from 3-point range. Against the Clippers, they took more than 18 shots per game, including 8 3-pointers.
“We’re just playing” assures the former leader of the Cavaliers. “I see three defenders in front of the ball every time I come off a screen. They come out on me a lot, and it forces me to drop the ball. For Luka, they decided that Lu Dort would stick him all the time, aggressively and physically. So for both of us it's about finding the right places, and staying aggressive. It’s also about playing well for each other. Sometimes I help Luka, sometimes he helps me, and we each create opportunities for ourselves, and that takes the team with us. »
But for now, it's more the team that coaches Kyrie Irving, and the Mavericks can thank PJ Washington, Tim Hardaway Jr or even Derek Lively II for their ability to take over. “I have to congratulate my teammates. So far they have supported me, but also Luka” Irving acknowledges.
