DALLAS — With a 104-92 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5, the Dallas Mavericks are focused on ending the series and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. If Dallas, who leads 3-2, wins on Saturday, it will be his second conference finals appearance of the season. Luka Doncic, who played a key role in his 31-point triple and double, has been the linchpin of the Mavericks' success.
Kyrie Irving reflected on his perfect 13-0 record in the final game of his career and emphasized the need to stay focused and humble. He expressed gratitude for his career accomplishments and praised his special teams.
“So that record doesn't mean anything heading into tonight. We still have to go out and play our game and do the little things,” Irving said. “But I’m happy and grateful that there was a part of my career where I can look back and say I finished my job on special teams.”
Irving, who averaged 14.4 points, 6.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds in the series, acknowledged the stakes are high for Oklahoma City when discussing the intensity of facing the Thunder, and how his team will take their opponent's “best shot” in this game. He admitted that he was looking forward to it. Irving recently described the series as “one of the most difficult” he had ever played.
“In these types of games, you expect your best shot,” Irving said, understanding the Thunder are fighting to extend the season. “More than despair, we know this is their last chance to save the season. The emotion doesn't really need to be talked about. We kind of know what it is.”
Irving also emphasized the importance of setting the tone early in a game, but also emphasized the unpredictability of how a game will start.
“Wouldn't it be ideal to hit them first and put doubt in their mind? I mean, it's basketball,” Irving said. “Whether we start the game at 7 p.m. or not depends on how everyone feels. If we all do the right thing, we'll see the result. But at the moment we can only make predictions. So it's a little bit I'm going to rest and prepare for the game.”
Irving praised the resiliency and teamwork of the Thunder's young roster. He noted that the Thunder players spend a lot of time playing together, which makes them a formidable team with great long-term potential.
“What impressed me the most? I think it was their determination and how they did it,” Irving said. “Look at their record and how many minutes they logged together as a group. When we face them in the playoffs, we know they're a great young core that will challenge us for years to come. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in this series. I feel like I've grown as a player against them no matter what happens.”
Regarding the challenge of finishing the series, Irving emphasized the need for mental and emotional preparation. He acknowledged that the pressure for a shutout is even greater, especially on his home court in the frenetic atmosphere of American Airlines Center.
“The shutout games are the hardest,” Irving said. “What I would like to see from the team is our composure, our approach, our mentality. It's going to be very shaken up, but the reality is that we make peace with those feelings, accept them and just play our game. You just have to play. At the end of the day, it's basketball, but especially in a shutout game on your home floor, there's extra pressure on you. I think we just have to embrace it and move on. I'll do my best. That's my goal.”
Irving also praised Doncic's performance in Game 5, highlighting his focus and leadership. Additionally, Irving recognized the imperfections of officiating and natural human reactions during high-stakes games, giving Doncic and other players leeway to deal with those situations.
“He was great and I talked about that on the podium. If he puts his energy in the right places, we'll be a better team,” Irving said. “Referees aren't perfect. No officiating is perfect. So I don't expect people who compete for what they love to be silent for the entire game. Being human here. is allowed.”
As the Mavericks look to shut out the Thunder, Irving emphasized the importance of supporting Doncic when emotions run high.
“When he crosses a threshold and can't control his emotions, he has to rely on us as teammates,” Irving said. of the court. Easier said than done, but emotions and trust go hand in hand. We are playing together there. ”
Irving's focus on leadership and teamwork will be critical as the Mavericks prepare for Game 6. With his perfect shutout record at stake, the Mavericks will rely on his depth and resiliency to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
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