The minute news broke that Kyrie Irving had been traded to the Dallas Mavericks, the debate began.
How will Irving and Mavs star Luka Dončić work together?
It’s still early, but the answer so far has been, “very well.”
Dončić scored 42 points and Irving tallied 40 in a 133-126 victory at home over the Philadelphia 76ers Thursday night.
In the process they became the first Dallas teammates to score 40 or more in the same game.
This was the proverbial team effort, however, as the Mavs knocked down a season-high 25 3-pointers (on 48 attempts) to beat the 76ers.
Irving is averaging 26.6 points in eight games with Dallas, about what he was scoring with the Brooklyn Nets this season (27.1). Dončić is averaging 33.1 points per game since Irving’s arrival, right in line with his season average.
However, the most important statistic is 4-5 — the Mavs’ record since Irving played his first game with the team on Feb. 8. The win over Philadelphia was only their second win in six games together for Dončić and Irving.
No two players are going to work together flawlessly after just a few weeks together. The fact they both played so well Thursday, against a quality opponent, is good news for the Mavericks and their fans. NBA Twitter was impressed.
Kyrie had 40 on 15-22 FG, 6-8 3PT.
Luka had 42 on 13-22 FG, 7-13 3PT.
Crazy. Going to be hard to beat when they play like that.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) March 3, 2023
maybe, juss maybe it’s gonna work
— NV$H (@damonsnash) March 3, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.