It had been a while since Luka Doncic He didn’t smile as much and he credits his good feelings and good time to his teammates. “I’ve been with them for five months, and I’m having a great time. “This team is special, man,” he acknowledged after the team’s victory. Dallas Mavericks in the fifth game of the tie against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which places them one step away from the NBA Western Conference Finals.
“The whole team has stepped up, I couldn’t do this without my teammates,” explained the Slovenian star, author of a triple-double with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. “Every player who stepped on the court gave 100% of his energy. Here we play as a team, and We win as a team, we lose as a team“he added.
Doncic, who said he had changed his mind after the loss in the fourth game of the series at home, focused on the game and consciously forgot about his physical problems and, especially, his usual feud with the referees. He did not complain or make bad gestures, and in fact his smile was one of the most outstanding elements of the duel. “I just tried to play basketball, sometimes I forget that it’s something I love,” declared as soon as the victory was confirmed.
Without the need for great offensive displays, basing their solidity on a strong defense, the Mavs once again chilled the wrists of their rival, who for the fourth time this season fell below 100 points, the first in these playoffs. Kyrie Irvinghardworking as ever in this tie, leaving his wing attack to run like the last in line, is one of the best examples of the collective commitment of this Dallas configuration.
Irving averages only 14.4 points and 6.8 assists in the playoffs, far from his averages of 23.1 points throughout his career in the playoffs. “Everyone talks about Kai’s attack, but we forget about his defense,” Jason Kidd, his coach, stood out. “Our leader, Luka, started well and involved the rest of his teammates, who have felt very comfortable since then,” added the coach.
“Since we made the transfers, We know what the mission is clearly, and that has not changed. It’s about smiling and feeling good when things get difficult,” Irving reaffirmed about the Mavericks’ good response after the setback in the fourth game at home. “When we play like that, freed, sharing and being positive, it’s the maturity that need. Since the All Star we have been by each other’s side, on and off the courtwhich is the most important thing,” he added, highlighting his good relationship with Doncic and their shared happiness at seeing him so well tonight.
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2024-05-16 06:12:45
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