Kyrie Irving on Luka Doncic: 'He's going to steadily improve on defense'
“Ah, man, he’s going to steadily improve [on defense],” Irving said of Doncic’s defensive impact. “Every young player in our league comes in, and I don’t think defense is the first thought in their mind. You have to grow into that role and really appreciate getting stops. Some of the best players in the world, guys are giving that effort that it takes to not only win ball games but to dominate. “I think he’s at that point in his career, and I’m at that point in my career,” Irving continued. “I can speak for a lot of guys in this locker room. We just want to dominate game-to-game, and teams that win championships every single year, go take it. We know we have to set our defensive identity now. It starts with some of our best players, and so with Luka participating in that makes the communication on our team a lot easier.”
Source: Sports Illustrated
Source: Sports Illustrated
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Mark Followill @MFollowill
Catching up on the events at AAC last night, the Mavs outscored Chicago 20-9 in the last six mins to win 114-105, for their first 4-0 start since 2004. Grant Williams tied his career high w/ 25 pts. Luka was held to 18. They were 2-11 last yr when he played & scored less than 25. – 10:39 AM
Catching up on the events at AAC last night, the Mavs outscored Chicago 20-9 in the last six mins to win 114-105, for their first 4-0 start since 2004. Grant Williams tied his career high w/ 25 pts. Luka was held to 18. They were 2-11 last yr when he played & scored less than 25. – 10:39 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Jokic stands alone in first loss, Schroder upsets Giannis, Doncic and Dallas remain undefeated #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/15… – 5:33 AM
Jokic stands alone in first loss, Schroder upsets Giannis, Doncic and Dallas remain undefeated #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/15… – 5:33 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The Mavericks start the season with the 4⃣ wins in a row.
And Kyrie Irving is not even playing 😯 pic.twitter.com/AMl5L6zliX – 4:26 AM
The Mavericks start the season with the 4⃣ wins in a row.
And Kyrie Irving is not even playing 😯 pic.twitter.com/AMl5L6zliX – 4:26 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic schooling defenders on the court, but on the dance floor, he might need a few extra lessons 😂
pic.twitter.com/1iDsXybQst – 3:02 AM
Luka Doncic schooling defenders on the court, but on the dance floor, he might need a few extra lessons 😂
pic.twitter.com/1iDsXybQst – 3:02 AM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Alex Caruso breaks down what the Bulls defense learned from their first attempt at a trap defensive scheme this year.
Bulls limited Luka Dončić to 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting. He was averaging 39 ppg coming into tonight. pic.twitter.com/7yjZAPaLxy – 12:00 AM
Alex Caruso breaks down what the Bulls defense learned from their first attempt at a trap defensive scheme this year.
Bulls limited Luka Dončić to 18 points on 5-for-16 shooting. He was averaging 39 ppg coming into tonight. pic.twitter.com/7yjZAPaLxy – 12:00 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Luka Doncic wasn’t superhuman in Mavericks’ win vs. Bulls, but there’s a positive dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 11:41 PM
Luka Doncic wasn’t superhuman in Mavericks’ win vs. Bulls, but there’s a positive dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 11:41 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
The Bulls’ defensive game plan against Luka Dončić was solid. But they allowed too many 2nd-chance points and Grant Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 14 3-pointers.
10 observations from the Bulls’ loss: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 11:02 PM
The Bulls’ defensive game plan against Luka Dončić was solid. But they allowed too many 2nd-chance points and Grant Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. combined for 14 3-pointers.
10 observations from the Bulls’ loss: nbcsportschicago.com/nba/chicago-bu… – 11:02 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka tonight:
18 PTS
7 REB
10 AST
Mavs are undefeated. statmuse.com/nba/player/luk… – 10:48 PM
Luka tonight:
18 PTS
7 REB
10 AST
Mavs are undefeated. statmuse.com/nba/player/luk… – 10:48 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Mavs pull it out 114-105.
First clutch loss of the season for the Bulls. That’s a frustrating one – nearly stole one on the road with Kyrie Irving out for the Mavs.
LaVine led scoring with 22 points but only scored five in the second half. – 10:47 PM
Mavs pull it out 114-105.
First clutch loss of the season for the Bulls. That’s a frustrating one – nearly stole one on the road with Kyrie Irving out for the Mavs.
LaVine led scoring with 22 points but only scored five in the second half. – 10:47 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks trying to gut this one out. First time in a while Luka hasn’t been the leading scorer, easily. He’s got 16-8-6 with 3:22 to go. Mavericks are up 100-98. – 10:39 PM
Mavericks trying to gut this one out. First time in a while Luka hasn’t been the leading scorer, easily. He’s got 16-8-6 with 3:22 to go. Mavericks are up 100-98. – 10:39 PM
Stephen Noh @StephNoh
Nice defense by Grant Williams and Luka to blow up the ATO from the Bulls.
Looks like they were trying to get into that “two side” action with DeMar coming off the stagger, Grant denied the pass and Luka pressured the ball well. The Bulls had to improvise and turned it over. pic.twitter.com/w0nV4hxb49 – 10:38 PM
Nice defense by Grant Williams and Luka to blow up the ATO from the Bulls.
Looks like they were trying to get into that “two side” action with DeMar coming off the stagger, Grant denied the pass and Luka pressured the ball well. The Bulls had to improvise and turned it over. pic.twitter.com/w0nV4hxb49 – 10:38 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Non-Luka Mavs did pretty well to hang in here. When Doncic left for a rest with 5:52 left it was 68-68. It’s now 83-81 Chicago entering the fourth.
Considering Doncic had played 28 of the first 30 minutes, he badly needed that rest entering the 4th. He’s scored only 12 points. – 10:16 PM
Non-Luka Mavs did pretty well to hang in here. When Doncic left for a rest with 5:52 left it was 68-68. It’s now 83-81 Chicago entering the fourth.
Considering Doncic had played 28 of the first 30 minutes, he badly needed that rest entering the 4th. He’s scored only 12 points. – 10:16 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
It took until the fourth game, but the 2023-24 Luka Doncic technical foul counter has started. – 9:55 PM
It took until the fourth game, but the 2023-24 Luka Doncic technical foul counter has started. – 9:55 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Luka doing a great job of attacking away from the middle to try and make the double-team harder. Caruso back in now, as Donovan continues moving chess pieces around. – 9:53 PM
Luka doing a great job of attacking away from the middle to try and make the double-team harder. Caruso back in now, as Donovan continues moving chess pieces around. – 9:53 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Luka Doncic came into this game averaging just under 40 a night. Bulls defense has held him to 8 with three turnovers. But Billy Donovan can’t coach … pic.twitter.com/L9y6hn8sf2 – 9:36 PM
Luka Doncic came into this game averaging just under 40 a night. Bulls defense has held him to 8 with three turnovers. But Billy Donovan can’t coach … pic.twitter.com/L9y6hn8sf2 – 9:36 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
22 first-half minutes for Doncic. Too many. And what does Dallas have to show for it? A 50-49 deficit. – 9:35 PM
22 first-half minutes for Doncic. Too many. And what does Dallas have to show for it? A 50-49 deficit. – 9:35 PM
Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Zach LaVine has outscored Luka Doncic 17-8 and #Bulls lead Mavs 50-49 at halftime. LaVine is 5-for-6 from 3; Vucevic 11 rebs, 8 pts. – 9:34 PM
Zach LaVine has outscored Luka Doncic 17-8 and #Bulls lead Mavs 50-49 at halftime. LaVine is 5-for-6 from 3; Vucevic 11 rebs, 8 pts. – 9:34 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls up 1 at half and doing as well defensively against Doncic as you can—and Doncic still has 8-6-5. But Bulls’ D and gameplan has been solid for one half. – 9:33 PM
Bulls up 1 at half and doing as well defensively against Doncic as you can—and Doncic still has 8-6-5. But Bulls’ D and gameplan has been solid for one half. – 9:33 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers now have the draft stash rights to:
Vladimir Veremeenko (2006 2nd round)
Luka Mitrovic (2015 2nd round)
Vanja Marinkovic (2019 2nd round)
Balša Koprivica (2021 2nd round) – 9:26 PM
Clippers now have the draft stash rights to:
Vladimir Veremeenko (2006 2nd round)
Luka Mitrovic (2015 2nd round)
Vanja Marinkovic (2019 2nd round)
Balša Koprivica (2021 2nd round) – 9:26 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
The good news for the Mavs is they only trail by two despite Doncic scoring only 6 points and shooting 1-of-6.
The potential bad news is Doncic is shooting 1-for-6. – 9:21 PM
The good news for the Mavs is they only trail by two despite Doncic scoring only 6 points and shooting 1-of-6.
The potential bad news is Doncic is shooting 1-for-6. – 9:21 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Caruso and Carter double-teaming and blitzing Luka whenever he brings the ball up … messing with the offensive timing. Yes, the corner three is open, but it’s definitely “someone else is beating us.” – 9:12 PM
Caruso and Carter double-teaming and blitzing Luka whenever he brings the ball up … messing with the offensive timing. Yes, the corner three is open, but it’s definitely “someone else is beating us.” – 9:12 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
“Oh, my God!” Doncic exclaimed when they showed the replay. I could hear him clearly in part because it’s pretty quiet in here. Stands are nearly full but many people watching Rangers on their phones. – 9:05 PM
“Oh, my God!” Doncic exclaimed when they showed the replay. I could hear him clearly in part because it’s pretty quiet in here. Stands are nearly full but many people watching Rangers on their phones. – 9:05 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Point guard 101: Doncic rewards his running big man, Lively, with a nice bounce pass. – 8:47 PM
Point guard 101: Doncic rewards his running big man, Lively, with a nice bounce pass. – 8:47 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked Lawrence Frank how he sees James Harden enhancing/fitting in with Kawhi, PG and Russ and Frank said the Clippers looked at the time Harden spent in Brooklyn playing alongside KD and Kyrie — albeit short amount of time — and how Harden also adjusted as playmaker with Embiid – 8:26 PM
Asked Lawrence Frank how he sees James Harden enhancing/fitting in with Kawhi, PG and Russ and Frank said the Clippers looked at the time Harden spent in Brooklyn playing alongside KD and Kyrie — albeit short amount of time — and how Harden also adjusted as playmaker with Embiid – 8:26 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Jones, Williams, Lively, Green, Doncic
CHI starters: DeRozan, Williams, Vucevic, LaVine,White
7:40 tip @971TheFreak – 8:07 PM
Mavs starters: Jones, Williams, Lively, Green, Doncic
CHI starters: DeRozan, Williams, Vucevic, LaVine,White
7:40 tip @971TheFreak – 8:07 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Without Irving the Bulls will throw everything at Luka tonight – 7:15 pre on @670TheScore pic.twitter.com/dFDPVY4XO3 – 7:44 PM
Without Irving the Bulls will throw everything at Luka tonight – 7:15 pre on @670TheScore pic.twitter.com/dFDPVY4XO3 – 7:44 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Was going to move the Bulls to bum-team alert tonight – their first of the season – but without Kyrie, they will avoid that designation. Saturday in Denver, however, forget bum-team alert, the Bulls could be put on bum-ass team alert. Stay tuned … situation is fluid. – 7:29 PM
Was going to move the Bulls to bum-team alert tonight – their first of the season – but without Kyrie, they will avoid that designation. Saturday in Denver, however, forget bum-team alert, the Bulls could be put on bum-ass team alert. Stay tuned … situation is fluid. – 7:29 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
For Mavs vs Bulls, J-Kidd says Kyrie Irving is out again tonight with a sprained left foot… – 7:26 PM
For Mavs vs Bulls, J-Kidd says Kyrie Irving is out again tonight with a sprained left foot… – 7:26 PM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mavs G Kyrie Irving (foot) is out again against Bulls tonight.
Jason Kidd: “Hopefully, he’s day to day. He’s getting his treatment. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.” – 6:53 PM
Mavs G Kyrie Irving (foot) is out again against Bulls tonight.
Jason Kidd: “Hopefully, he’s day to day. He’s getting his treatment. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.” – 6:53 PM
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls dodge a Kyrie … he will be out for tonight’s game with the Mavs. – 6:53 PM
Bulls dodge a Kyrie … he will be out for tonight’s game with the Mavs. – 6:53 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Kyrie Irving (left foot sprain) is expected to miss his second straight game for Dallas when the Mavericks play host to Chicago tonight. Irving’s status was officially downgraded to doubtful earlier today.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 6:35 PM
Kyrie Irving (left foot sprain) is expected to miss his second straight game for Dallas when the Mavericks play host to Chicago tonight. Irving’s status was officially downgraded to doubtful earlier today.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 6:35 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Kyrie Irving downgraded to doubtful tonight.
Zach LaVine is probable, said he was good to go this morning. Back injury happened during a collision with Poeltl in the Raptors game. He’s been using heat packs a lot this week, but he’s still not worried about it long term. – 5:57 PM
Kyrie Irving downgraded to doubtful tonight.
Zach LaVine is probable, said he was good to go this morning. Back injury happened during a collision with Poeltl in the Raptors game. He’s been using heat packs a lot this week, but he’s still not worried about it long term. – 5:57 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Mavs downgraded Kyrie Irving to doubtful with his left foot sprain. – 3:00 PM
Mavs downgraded Kyrie Irving to doubtful with his left foot sprain. – 3:00 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Per @NBA injury report: Mavs list Kyrie Irving as doubtful for tonight vs CHI with his sprained left foot. 7:00 pre. 7:40 tip @971TheFreak – 2:19 PM
Per @NBA injury report: Mavs list Kyrie Irving as doubtful for tonight vs CHI with his sprained left foot. 7:00 pre. 7:40 tip @971TheFreak – 2:19 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Kyrie Irving now listed as DOUBTFUL vs Bulls ( left foot). 7:15 CT pre. @670TheScore and @chicagobulls radio network. Bulls look to go 3-2 on the young season and hand Dallas its first loss. – 1:59 PM
Kyrie Irving now listed as DOUBTFUL vs Bulls ( left foot). 7:15 CT pre. @670TheScore and @chicagobulls radio network. Bulls look to go 3-2 on the young season and hand Dallas its first loss. – 1:59 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Scoring leaders by quarter this season:
1st — Anthony Edwards
2nd — Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic
3rd — Steph Curry
4th — Steph Curry pic.twitter.com/54BT0K6L4Q – 12:31 PM
Scoring leaders by quarter this season:
1st — Anthony Edwards
2nd — Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic
3rd — Steph Curry
4th — Steph Curry pic.twitter.com/54BT0K6L4Q – 12:31 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Jayson Tatum now owns the third best odds to win NBA MVP at 6/1 per @betonline_ag
He trails Doncic (17/4) and Jokic (15/4) – 12:25 PM
Jayson Tatum now owns the third best odds to win NBA MVP at 6/1 per @betonline_ag
He trails Doncic (17/4) and Jokic (15/4) – 12:25 PM
Cameron Tabatabaie @CTabatabaie
Jayson now owns the third best odds to win NBA MVP at 6/1 per @betonline_ag
He trails Doncic (17/4) and Jokic (15/4) – 12:10 PM
Jayson now owns the third best odds to win NBA MVP at 6/1 per @betonline_ag
He trails Doncic (17/4) and Jokic (15/4) – 12:10 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
As the Rangers try to exorcise their 52 yr old demon, the Mavs try to do something theyve not done in only 19 yrs: Start out 4-0. as they take on CHI. What does Luka have in store? Which role player steps up on this night? @PeasRadio pre at 7. tip w/Brad & me at 7:40 @971TheFreak – 11:50 AM
As the Rangers try to exorcise their 52 yr old demon, the Mavs try to do something theyve not done in only 19 yrs: Start out 4-0. as they take on CHI. What does Luka have in store? Which role player steps up on this night? @PeasRadio pre at 7. tip w/Brad & me at 7:40 @971TheFreak – 11:50 AM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Irving still listed as questionable for tonight in latest injury report release. – 11:42 AM
Irving still listed as questionable for tonight in latest injury report release. – 11:42 AM
More on this storyline
“I think how easy it’s coming [is impressive], but also, he’s doing it in the flow of the game,” Irving said of Doncic’s impressive start to the season. “He’s getting everybody involved. To see it up close as his teammate is even more impressive, especially starting the season. He gets off to fast starts, man. He makes his imprint felt on games, he really impacts the game. “He’s really smart and really just wants to win, and it’s easy to play next to someone who is willing to throw their body on the line to do everything to win.” -via Sports Illustrated / November 2, 2023
Irving dealt with a groin injury in preseason that sidelined him from the team’s final two games, and he’s now dealing with a left foot injury. He remains focused, though, working diligently with the Mavs’ training staff to recover fully and maintain his conditioning before returning to play. “[I’m] doing everything possible to be smart about where my body is,” Irving said. “Just taking the necessary steps with our training staff to ensure I stay in shape. One of the worst things is to deal with injuries in preseason, but it’s all part of the game. You don’t want an injury to carry over into the longevity of the season.” -via Sports Illustrated / November 2, 2023
“Yeah, for sure,” Irving said about increasing film study when injured. “It’s always good to watch, too. We have a really special team this year, putting up a lot of points, and we’re doing the necessary things to get wins in close, tight-knit games. When you see that take place, you know guys are growing.” Irving has observed the Mavs getting comfortable with their roles, and he also sees a natural chemistry building throughout the roster. As a result, trust is being built as well. “Even when I’m off the court, you see guys grow into their roles,” Irving said. “We’re developing that chemistry we talk about, and that trust.” -via Sports Illustrated / November 2, 2023
Grant Williams scored 25 points, Hardaway had 24 points off the bench, Jones contributed 17 points and Lively was dominant with 13 rebounds – seven of them coming on the offensive end. “We’ve looked at Luka to have 30-plus every night,” coach Jason Kidd said. “But I think this is one of those nights where you look at your teammates, we’re there to support him and he trusted them. “That’s about trusting that chemistry and going through these different kinds of games that you know, Luka might not have 40, but he trusted his teammates are gonna be able to deliver.” -via Dallas Morning News / November 2, 2023
Clutch Points: Dirk Nowitzki and Luka Doncic popped out for Game 2 of the Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series 🔥 (via @MLBONFOX) pic.twitter.com/49RMfLtSR9 -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / October 29, 2023