The Dallas Mavericks took a commanding 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals on Saturday night, and Luka Doncic says Kyrie Irving had a great message for him toward the end of the win.
Doncic scored 33 points with 7 rebounds and 5 steals as the Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. In his postgame press conference, Doncic was asked how Irving’s postseason experience has helped the Mavs on their current run.
“When we were winning by nine, that last possession I told him, ‘I’m tired as s—.’ He told me, ‘That’s the way it’s supposed to be,'” Doncic recalled. “He brought that calmness to our team, to me, the maturity … it’s been unbelievable to have him on our team.”
Luka says he leans on Kyrie’s experience in the post season.
Luka shared to him with a few minutes left in the game, “I’m tired..” and Kyrie responded, “you’re supposed to be”. pic.twitter.com/8ooS6wxFLy
— Abby Jones (@_abigaiiiil) May 27, 2024
Irving also had 33 points in the game to go along with 4 assists and 3 rebounds on 12-of-20 shooting. He and Doncic were outstanding for most of the night, which is probably one reason Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was criticized for his strategy.
The Mavericks seem destined for an NBA Finals date with the Boston Celtics, who have a 3-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Irving’s experience should continue to prove valuable for Dallas, especially if and when the Mavericks begin preparing to face one of his former teams.
