Slovenian guard Doncic has built confidence, Irving has used insight and experience and both have shown stunning skills in sparking a 50-win Mavs squad to shock playoff ousters of the Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
He’s one of the smartest players in this league and one of the reasons we’re playing in the finals is his IQ and his willingness to step up on that stage and not be afraid to fail,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said of Doncic.
He’s about winning and that’s why we’re here. He plays both sides of the ball when he has to but his offensive skill set is pretty special.”
Still just 25, Doncic is one step from the crown he has dreamed of grabbing.
“Amazing. First time in the NBA Finals. Hopefully not the last,” he said. “Never take it for granted. You never know if you’re going to come back so just enjoy the experience.”
“Amazing. First time in the NBA Finals. Hopefully not the last,” he said. “Never take it for granted. You never know if you’re going to come back so just enjoy the experience.”
Eight seasons and three teams later, Irving has been through anti-semitic and anti-vaccine controversies and backed controversial conspiracy theories but set aside talk to focus on basketball with great success.
James, a four-time NBA Most Valuable Player, said on a podcast Tuesday that Irving was ‘the most gifted player the NBA has ever seen’ and wished he was still playing alongside him -- praise that meant much to Irving on Wednesday.