DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks superstar Kyrie Irving spoke about the physically demanding nature of the Western Conference semifinals after leading his team to a 104-92 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5. He shared his thoughts and described it as “one of the toughest matches”. This is the series I've played so far. ” With this win, the Mavericks were pushed to a 3-2 series lead, and Luka Doncic played happily with the mental aspect of “old Luka” and achieved a triple-double of 31 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. I gained momentum.
“It's really just the pace and just the physicality,” Irving said. “Last series was also more physical and the pace was a little different, but I think this one just challenged me physically, mentally and emotionally. “I've been focused on what I can control,” he said, “and I've been focused on getting the team off the ground early, and that's going to continue no matter how the game plays out.”
Despite these challenges, he is averaging 14.4 points, 6.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds heading into Game 6. Irving's approach is tactical and calm, with an emphasis on making the right plays based on what the defense looks like. Throughout the series, Irving was under intense defensive scrutiny and was often the target of double teams and aggressive defense.
“They're keeping an athletic player with me, and that's going to be tough for me,” Irving said. “So I don't mind sacrificing myself to create chances for my teammates and I like to see them do well.”
Irving has focused on reading defenses and making the right basketball plays. He is ready to take more challenging shots if necessary, but he believes that moment has not yet arrived. He's going to make a strong impact defensively and continue to take what's given to him offensively.
“But I really tip my hat to the defensive side and just trying to put in a lot of effort and make the right plays on the offensive side,” Irving said. “They'll put threes on the ball for me from time to time and obviously I've been able to hit a lot of tough shots and I think it'll come in the near future when I need it. But right now. But just read the game and let the basketball play.'' When you're playing the right way, may God shower you with lots of love.'' ”
While some players may not want to give up scoring performances like Irving's, he acknowledged that he had to mature in the past to reach that stage. He doesn't want to fall into what he describes as the “trap” of being obsessed with his scores. He is willing to take tougher shots if necessary, but doesn't feel the situation calls for it yet.
“I've talked about this a few times, but only in my head, when I was a young player and wanted to focus, it was easy to throw away the good things I was doing.” I know people want me to focus on scoring,” Irving said. “So don’t fall into that trap.
“I really want to focus on the positive vibes I get from my teammates. They'll find me when the time comes,” Irving explained. “But I love finding them just as much, and when you can come out victorious from a tough environment like OKC, you really have to celebrate it.”
Leadership is a key focus for Irving, especially given the young presence on the Mavericks' roster. Irving and Doncic are tasked with leading the team through the playoffs, and both take that responsibility seriously.
“From the beginning of the year, we took on the responsibility that it was something that started with us and challenged us,” Irving said, acknowledging the expectations set by the Mavericks' coaches and management.
The depth on the Mavericks' roster proved critical, especially in Game 5, when players like Derrick Jones Jr. stepped up to score a playoff career-high 19 points. Irving praised his teammates' ability to seize opportunities and emphasized the collective effort that characterized the team in the playoffs.
“When our guys are making shots, especially when they're making threes from the corners and the sides, they're showing a lot of help, they're showing a lot of body, so for me and Luka it's a downhill stretch. It creates a lot of opportunities to be uphill,” Irving explained.
Defensively, the Mavericks have established a strong identity, and Irving was proud to emphasize that. Trust among teammates and a joint defensive effort were key to their success, allowing them to effectively counter the Thunder's offensive strategy.
“We've just grown and our trust in each other's skill sets has really blossomed. We have guys who enjoy playing defense, but they're also tired,” Irving said. “So, we're going to need our depth to really come out and really bring that spark off the bench. … But for us, energy-wise, we're going to need him and his very I'm thinking in terms of energy, trusting in the young guys.'' Game 5 of the playoffs in the semifinals could go either way, and it also shows the faith J-Kid has in him, but it's also because of his tremendous It was a great effort.
“And everyone that came off the bench gave us what we needed in the game,” Irving explained. “Tonight, D-Live was plus-22. It basically reflects how we both feel when we go out there and play at a level where we can just play basketball without worrying about X’s and O’s. We just worry about playing basketball our style of basketball. ”
As the series moves into Game 6, Irving's perfect 13-0 shutout record will be put to the test against a Thunder team that won't back down. A win would advance Dallas to the Western Conference Finals, where they will face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets in Game 7 on Sunday.
read more: Derrick Jones Jr. wants to return to Dallas Mavericks next season
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