The Dallas Mavericks sealed the deal on Wednesday night, clinching the Southwest Division title and setting the stage for an exciting playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, a familiar foe. Their journey to division champs wasn’t without its challenges, but a stellar defensive performance against the Miami Heat secured their victory, marking their fifth division title in franchise history.
Leading the charge was Luka Doncic, whose impressive stat line of 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists showcased his all-around talent. Kyrie Irving wasn’t far behind, contributing 25 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Irving reflected on the team’s journey, highlighting the significance of bouncing back after missing the playoffs last season.
Chuck: "I think the winner of the Mavs-Clippers series is the second best team in the West." 👀
The Fellas discuss who they have as their second best team in the West pic.twitter.com/YC5t1MDO56
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 11, 2024
“It means a lot,” Irving shared. “Experiencing failure like that was tough, but we didn’t dwell on it. We just went after our goals this season.”
Despite the excitement of clinching the division, the Mavericks remain focused on their ultimate goal: winning a championship. Daniel Gafford and Irving emphasized that sentiment, echoing Kobe Bryant’s famous words, ” The job’s not done.”
As they gear up for the playoffs, the Mavericks are driven by their hunger for success, knowing their work is far from over.