The Kyrie Irving trade last season was a big gamble for the Dallas Mavericks, and now it looks like it's paying off. They missed the playoffs with a 38-44 preseason record. After a full offseason and training camp to prepare for the combination of Luka Doncic and Irving, the team finished with a 50-32 record for the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference.
One of the benefits of Irving playing alongside Doncic is his playoff experience. Having won an NBA Championship, appeared in multiple Finals, and played in countless playoff games, Irving brings all of his playoff experience to a team that can make a run for the top.
His value as a veteran star was proven in the team's first round series against the Los Angeles Clippers, where the Mavericks were shutout with a 114-101 victory in Game 6 on Friday night.
With the win, Irving maintains a perfect 13-0 record in series shutouts in his career. He led the team with 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting, making 5-of-9 3-pointers along the way and shutting out the Clippers in dominant fashion. He added six rebounds and four assists and was plus-22 in the box score.
“When you hear 13-0, that's not my perfect playoff record. “I've had some good fights with my guys in this league,” Irving said. “Typically 13 wins in close games. Considering we're zero losses, we know we have to get to that point to be ready to let the other team submit. One of the most difficult things to do as a competitor is to get your opponent to concede or give in. ”
The Mavericks have the star power to succeed in the series with Doncic and Irving. They have the depth needed to support them. They will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round looking for more success in the postseason. Having Irving on their side is a clear benefit, as they look to win another series in a tougher matchup than against the Clippers.
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