“ Say 33! » Thirty-three, like the number of points scored by each Luka Doncic And Kyrie Irving in Game 3 against the Wolves. As usual, Luka Doncic was the most complete with 33 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals and 1 block. Kyrie Irving was more skillful with 12 of 20 shots, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range, to go with his 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
But what we will remember is their performance in the 4th quarter. Between them, they were involved in 26 of the Mavericks' 29 points. Irving alone scored 14 points in the final period.
“Kyrie was amazing! That's why some people call him Mr. 4th Quarter, right? » asks Doncic.. “He scores 33 points, but how many does he score in the 4th quarter? I feel like he's got 20… It's amazing. He was born for “clutch” situations. We just give him the ball, and it's a privilege to have him with us. »
Being “clutch” is in their DNA
Between them, Luka and Kyrie will score 21 points at 8/10 on shots during the last twelve minutes. They are involved in their team's last 14 points to knock out Wolves in money time.
“I appreciate his words. Luka is funny…” replies Irving when we share the flowers sent by his teammate. “I have the impression that we were born for this… We attacked well in the last quarter, and after some stops, we decided to insist and go for easy baskets. And then, at the end, that's where we make our money. Since the All-Star Break, we have been one of the most clutch teams in the NBA. We have a very good track record in terms of clutch. This is why we have this control and why the teams have to deal with our wealth of personnel. »
Their teammates have easy shots
If Irving speaks of “strength richness”, it’s because their teammates are getting in tune. In the last quarter, the Mavericks scored 11 out of 15 on shots! And it's also because Luka and Kyrie fix the defense to offer unmarked baskets to their partners.
“They are superstars, and they behave like superstars” summarizes PJ Washington about his two leaders. “We expect them to be special every night, and they deliver. They make things easy for all of us. They attract so much attention that it opens up the field for everyone with open shots and lobbed passes. »
The final word for Stan Van Gundy : “ This is the best back duo in history“. Just that !
