The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference finals after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in a stunning Game 6 of the Conference semifinals. After the game, the team’s star player, Luka Doncic, praised Kyrie Irving in a post-game interview, and Irving did the same for Doncic. Both players emphasized their mutual respect for each other.
“Big-time, man. When he [Kyrie Irving] came, [he’s been] nothing but supportive of everything I did, everything we did. He helped me mature a lot and realize I see the game in a different way. And, obviously, on the court, it’s amazing to play with a guy like him. Just go out there and enjoy. The leader he’s been for us, not just for me, but for us, has been amazing. Always positive energy.” Luka Doncic said in a post-game interview.
Kyrie Irving Calls Luka Doncic a ‘Big Teddy Bear’
Irving mentioned that Luka assisted him both on and off the court. He also referred to Doncic as a ‘big teddy bear.’
“I think this guy has pushed me to continue to work on my game and continue to develop as a young leader. A big word we can both agree on is maturity. Coming into Dallas, I was dealing with a lot mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. They embraced me with open arms. I don’t have a perfect journey, so coming into this environment, I wasn’t sure how we were going to work out on the court. But, off the court, I knew eventually that I would get him to open up. This guy’s a big teddy bear at times off the court at times. He’s a big competitor. I’ll say he is a teddy bear that likes to compete.” Irving said. During the same interview, Doncic commended PJ Washington for his outstanding performance against the OKC Thunder.
Irving also mentioned his personal life with Doncic, expressing his desire to be a teammate and a brother to him.
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“At times, I just have to sit back and marvel at his talent and his ability to get outside his comfort zone. I enjoy watching him be a father. I enjoy watching him develop as a person first, and then the basketball stuff will take care of it. We all know how skilled he is, and we all know his numbers and stuff like that, but I want to be a teammate and brother next to him who helps him grow like a man and achieve the things that he wants to achieve. I know he feels the same way. The mission is still the same for us, and when we step on that court, we enjoy competing with each other.” Irving said.
Following the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves’ Game 7 on Sunday, the Mavericks‘ opponent for the conference finals will be determined.
