An anonymous NBA executive has boldly declared that the Dallas Mavericks’ backcourt, featuring Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, is the preeminent duo in the NBA.
According to this insider, their on-court chemistry is off the charts, and they genuinely appreciate each other’s game.
Kyrie Irving on his embrace with Luka Doncic at the end of the game:
“Luka was like I’m tired, man. That’s why I just hugged him at the end of the game. He left it all out there…For us as brothers to embrace each other, we know how hard we’ve worked…” pic.twitter.com/0pW2O0YI3O
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 8, 2024
Let’s delve into the impressive stats of these two superstars:
– Luka Doncic: Averages 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game this season, making a late push for the MVP award.
Luka Doncic in Mavs’ OT win over Rockets tonight:
37 PTS
9 REB
12 AST
2 BLK
12-21 FG
4-10 3PT
9–9 FT
7 TO
5 FLS
45 MIN
+20— NBA Latest (@nba_latest_) April 7, 2024
LOOK AT THIS LEADER
KNEES ARE BLEEDING AND STILL GOING pic.twitter.com/hmL4O4Sy0n
— Yasser (@078Yasser) April 7, 2024
– Kyrie Irving: Puts up 25.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, needing just a slight improvement in field goal percentage to achieve the second 50-40-90 season of his career.
Kyrie Irving in Mavs’ OT win over Rockets tonight:
48 PTS
7 REB
2 AST
1 STL
15-25 FG
3-8 3PT
15-17 FT
2 TO
1 FLS
44 MIN
+21— NBA Latest (@nba_latest_) April 7, 2024
KYRIE IRVING TODAY:
48 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 60% FGLUKA DONCIC TODAY:
37 PTS, 9 REB, 12 AST, 57% FG🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/RIYKDJgRYS
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 7, 2024
The Mavericks have been on a tear lately, going 16-2 in their last 18 games, with one of those losses occurring when Doncic was absent.
Their acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford have transformed them into serious contenders, propelling them from the Play-In Tournament to a 95% chance of finishing the season as either the No. 4 or No. 5 seed.
However, former Mavericks star Jamal Mashburn believes that the team needs one more elite piece to truly contend for a championship.
He suggests adding a wing player who can create opportunities alongside Luka and Kyrie, similar to someone like Khris Middleton (but perhaps an even better defender).
The Mavericks’ recent victories, including a thrilling clash against the Nuggets and a remarkable 22-point comeback against the Rockets, have elevated them to the status of the NBA’s best clutch team.
As they gear up for the playoffs, their matchup against the OKC Thunder will serve as a litmus test for their competitiveness.
Kyrie Irving: Luka Doncic:
48 PTS 37 PTS
7 REB 12 AST
73.9% TS 74.1% TSHow many duos are better right now? pic.twitter.com/I5RwBiQBfV
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 7, 2024
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are poised to become the best duo in the NBA for the 2023-2024 season. Here’s why:
1. Scoring: Doncic and Irving were the highest scoring duo in the league last season, averaging a combined 59.4 points per game. Their scoring abilities in various ways, from driving to the basket to shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc, make them formidable on offense.
2. Playmaking: What sets Doncic and Irving apart is their ability to not only score but also set up their teammates. Together, they averaged 14 assists per game, second only to Denver’s Jokic and Murray. Their scoring and playmaking abilities combined make them a dominant force on the court.
3. Offensive versatility: Doncic’s size and skills make him a mismatch for opposing defenses. With Irving now on the team, opponents can no longer solely focus on stopping Doncic.
The duo’s ability to create scoring opportunities for each other and the rest of the team is unmatched.
Doncic and Irving’s impact on the Mavericks’ offense was evident, leading the league with a 121.7 offensive rating when they played together.
Their ability to transform the team’s offense, even with limited playing time, speaks volumes about their capabilities.
With the addition of better shooters to the Mavericks’ roster, the duo’s playmaking abilities could further improve.
The combination of Doncic’s size as a screener and Irving’s ball-handling skills creates numerous scoring opportunities.
Compared to other star duos, no other pair possesses the same “score from anywhere” ability as Doncic and Irving.
They are both versatile scorers, with Doncic also excelling as a playmaker. The potential of this combination has never been seen before in the NBA.
Teammates to average 25+ PPG on 60%+ TS:
Bird & McHale (1987)
Curry & Durant (2017 & 2019)
Doncic & Irving (This Season)
Booker & Durant (This Season) pic.twitter.com/6N1ja4NaTk— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 7, 2024
With improved defense and shooting around them, the duo has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in the league.
If they can lead the Mavericks to more victories, Doncic and Irving could be remembered as one of the greatest duos in NBA history.
Via @Stathead
*Players must qualify for PPG leaderboards pic.twitter.com/sM3zFjGlmO
— StatMamba (@StatMamba) April 7, 2024
Luka and Kyrie’s dynamic partnership has caught the attention of fans, analysts, and even NBA executives, making them a formidable duo to watch as the postseason approaches.
Fans reacted as follows.
He has been a great co leader with Doncic in the Mavs this season. You can see clearly that they are on the same page about the team’s potential to make a deep run in the playoffs! We’ve got faith in you Dallas ! Let’s get it 🏆
— Onero JeyJey (@Djeyjey15) April 8, 2024
perfect response brotherhood is all about
— 🫶Colléén🫶🏼 (@SportsFamsRock) April 8, 2024
best duo in the league
— 🏖️ (@JovanRMFC) April 7, 2024
Best backcourt of all time
— Brandon J. McGill (@14xfounder) April 7, 2024
Better than Jordan & Pippen
— F ᴸᵘᵏᵃ✨💫 (@FlukaTime) April 7, 2024
So inspirational
— PROPERBETTORS INC. (@ProperBettor_) April 7, 2024
Give that man half the salary cap next contract
— … (@talibansazuke) April 8, 2024
Mvp
— the Antagonist (@Antagonist_FK) April 7, 2024
