During an interview with NBA reporter Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated, Dallas Mavericks point guard Kyrie Irving was asked to talk about superstar Luka Doncic, who has been playing like the best player in the world so far this season.
“I think how easy it’s coming [is impressive], but also, he’s doing it in the flow of the game,” Irving said about Doncic. “He’s getting everybody involved. To see it up close as his teammate is even more impressive, especially starting the season. He gets off to fast starts, man. He makes his imprint felt on games, he really impacts the game.”
The Mavericks have started the season 4-0, with wins over the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies and Chicago Bulls. Doncic is averaging 33.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 9.8 assists while shooting 51.1% from the field, 42.2% from beyond the arc and 72.2% from the free-throw line.
“He’s really smart and really just wants to win,” Irving said about Doncic. “And it’s easy to play next to someone who is willing to throw their body on the line to do everything to win.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Irving is currently dealing with a left foot injury after injuring his groin in the preseason. The eight-time All-Star told Afseth that he’s being smart with his body so his injuries don’t linger throughout the season.
“[I’m] doing everything possible to be smart about where my body is,” Irving said. “Just taking the necessary steps with our training staff to ensure I stay in shape. One of the worst things is to deal with injuries in preseason, but it’s all part of the game. You don’t want an injury to carry over into the longevity of the season.”
The Mavericks won only 38 games last season. The team was just 5-11 in games Irving and Doncic played together. That was the worst winning percentage (.313) for a pair of teammates who were both All-Stars since the ABA-NBA merger in 1976-77, per ESPN Stats & Information research.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
However, it looks like Irving and Doncic are going to have a lot more success this season.
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