After taking down the Houston Rockets in overtime on Sunday, Dallas Mavericks star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving shared an endearing moment. With the clock winding down, Irving hugged Doncic, who put his arm around his backcourt mate. Together, they walked off the court like longtime friends.
For those who are familiar with tales of Irving’s fractured relationship with former teammates or Doncic’s abrasive attitude, it was a sight to behold.
Following the game, Irving gave a detailed explanation about their embrace. His answer reveals a relationship that’s closer to infancy than maturation but growing rapidly.
“Luka was like ‘I’m tired, man.’ That’s why I just hugged him at the end of the game,” Irving explains.
Kyrie Irving on his embrace with Luka Doncic at the end of the game:
“Luka was like I’m tired, man. That’s why I just hugged him at the end of the game. He left it all out there…For us as brothers to embrace each other, we know how hard we’ve worked…” pic.twitter.com/0pW2O0YI3O
— Noah Weber (@noahweber00) April 8, 2024
“He left it all out there,” Irving continues. “He did all he could… I feel for him…”
“That was kind of one of those ‘in the moment’ type things for us as brothers to embrace each other. We know how hard we’ve worked and how much with it took to get to this point in the season.”
That OT win was so much fun. There’s plenty of great stats to discuss but this moment of Luka and Kyrie walking arm in arm together and the team coming together at the end is one of the best things I’ve seen. It’s a special group who play for each other and you love to see that! pic.twitter.com/BWTXpjcPr4
— Mark Followill (@MFollowill) April 8, 2024
“…We just know what it feels like to be on this side now together as a duo,” Irving says, alluding to their growth together as the team leaders. “… We’re committing to the defensive end and offensive end. We’re committing to our leadership roles. And we’re committing to our teammates and they’re doing the same.”
“I think you’re seeing the reciprocity,” Irving surmises, “when you see the laughs or you see the smiles or you see us feeling good about each other. Even when we’re down, we’re still giving each other positive encouragement…”
Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic’s Bond
The depth of Irving’s answer speaks to the bond he’s growing with a team few expected him to be traded to. Even last offseason, many had him landing with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with LeBron James.
In any case, Irving’s fondness for his floor general bodes well for Dallas’ future.
The Mavericks may not ever win a championship with Doncic and Irving. Nonetheless, the NBA has exited the era where dynasty teams were shoo-ins to lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Denver Nuggets have proven that. As a result, a team with Dallas’ star power and defensive-minded cogs could be next on that list.
