Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 66 points, 33 points apiece, in a 3-0 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. The duo is averaging a combined 60+ points in the series, and plenty of praise is being poured on the pair.
After Game 3, Irving was asked how it felt to have players like Paul Pierce and Stan Van Gundy call him “the greatest offensive backcourt of all time,” and, as always, Irving responded with composure and maturity.
Read more: Dallas Mavericks take 3-0 lead over Timberwolves in WCF: 3 game-changing plays
“It doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win championships together,” Irving told the media, “and that’s a very responsible thing to say. I’m not saying we’re not a great team right now, but there are other backcourts out there that deserve more recognition right now. I think if we have a good run together, we can look back on it and think, that’s our time. But for now, show some respect to the guys that came before us that actually did it, and our time will come… You guys are seeing some special basketball from me and Luka, but we wouldn’t be here without my teammates.”
The Mavericks are currently one win away from the NBA Finals, facing the Boston Celtics, who are also leading the series against the Indiana Pacers 3-0. The Celtics have been the best team in the league all season, but have struggled to beat lesser teams. Irving had an ugly breakup with the Celtics a few seasons ago, and there are other stories and connections between the two teams, so there will be a lot to look out for when the two teams meet.
But the two were a dynamic duo in the postseason, with Doncic constantly praising Irving and helping him mature and develop as a leader while also providing some great on-court moments and letting Luka take a back seat at times. Irving had some big fourth-quarter moments for the Mavericks, leading them to one of the best clutch records in the NBA.
The two superstars will be looking to close out the Western Finals with four straight wins, with Irving also looking to keep his unbeaten final game streak intact.
Read more: Dallas Mavericks’ Maxi Kleber in doubt for Game 4 vs. Timberwolves
continue Mavericks Game Day More Dallas Mavericks coverage throughout the NBA Playoffs
Follow Austin Veazey twitter
