The Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-107 to take a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic combined for 66 points while shooting 55.0% from the field, 47.1% from three-point range and 77.8% from the free-throw line. While both players scored 33 points, it was Irving who led the way in the fourth quarter.
The eight-time All-Star scored 14 points in the final frame. He shot 5-7 from the field, 1-1 from three-point range and 3-4 from the free-throw line. Speaking to the media at his post-game press conference, Doncic labeled Irving as ‘Mr. 4th Quarter’, stating:
It’s unbelievable. That’s why they call him, some people, Mr. 4th Quarter, right? Just amazing. He scored, what, 33? And how many he scored in the fourth? It felt like 20.
It’s amazing. He’s born for these situations. He’s born for the clutch situations so we just give the ball to him.
Irving has long been known as one of the most clutch players in the league. He is responsible for one of the biggest shots in NBA history as he knocked down a three-pointer to give the Cleveland Cavaliers a 92-89 lead over the Golden State Warriors with just 53 seconds left in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. Cleveland went on to win their first title in franchise history. They also became the first team to come back from a 3-1 NBA Finals deficit.
Luka Doncic shares how much he has learned from Kyrie Irving
Luka Doncic is on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time in his six-year NBA career. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving is one win away from playing in his fourth NBA Finals – and first in seven years. The duo have thrived in their first full season as teammates on the Dallas Mavericks.
During his post-game press conference, Doncic was asked how much he has learned from Irving, responding:
A lot. A lot. Just right now when we were winning by nine, the last possession I told him, ‘I’m tired as s**t’. And he told me, ‘that’s the way it’s supposed to be’. He brought that calmness to our team, to me. The maturity.
It’s been unbelievable to have him on our team. Just learning from him everyday. Positive energy always so it’s just a blessing having him on our team.
The Mavericks were just 5-11 in 16 games with Doncic and Irving both in the lineup last season. Entering their first full season as teammates, there were questions about the two stars fit with one another. They have answered those questions and more as they are closing in on an opportunity to play for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
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