Kyrie Irving is facing off against and protecting his former star teammate in a seven-game series, which presents a rare chance for the Mavericks star.
The playoff match-up between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers is not new. The two are consistent postseason adversaries who always deliver an intriguing series, regardless of the circumstances.
This time, however, the series has a distinctive twist. Mavericks star Kyrie Irving and Clippers star James Harden are former colleagues who are currently competing in a playoff series, with Irving frequently guarding Harden.
The 49ers are willing to trade Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to move up in Round 1.
The series was evened up in Los Angeles in Game 2, when the Mavericks used defence to win on the road and even things up heading back to Dallas.
“I think the true testament of greatness is being able to adapt with other great players and not lose your identity and, you know, not fall into the victimisation of external distractions and, you know, people telling you what you should be and how you should play,” Irving said in a press conference on Wednesday.
Luka Doncic and Irving form one of the NBA’s most potent scoring combinations. They didn’t lose despite putting in greater effort on defence. They scored a combined 55 points in the 96-93 victory, but both studs played outstanding defence throughout.
Irving also had the opportunity to discuss his time playing alongside Harden and how it helped him understand him while on the opposing team.
“I think James and I didn’t get enough reps. We played a couple of games together, but we didn’t have enough practice. But playing with someone so amazing makes the game easier,” Irving remarked. “But playing against them, you can tell that when he comes out with an aggressive mindset, it’s a different team and we just got to be ready for his ISO basketball and his one-on-one capabilities and his ability to make his teammates better.”
Irving and Harden are two exceptional offensive players who now play alongside superstar teammates. Irving’s contributions to the Mavericks’ offence and defence have elevated the team’s potential to win championships.
“It’s good to be on the other side, definitely missing him, but at the same time, glad that we get to compete against each other now,” he said.
The series will head to Dallas on Friday night, with the Mavericks and Clippers locked 1-1. The clash between the former colleagues appears to be a longer, more exciting series.
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