DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks lead the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-0 in the Western Conference Finals. Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic led the way once again in the Mavs' Game 3 116-107 victory over the Timberwolves. Discussions have even started to emerge about Irving and Doncic potentially being the best backcourt of all-time.
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd discussed the conversation after Game 3.
Video via ClutchPoints:
“When you talk about maturity, skillset, they fit,” Kidd said. “Kai has been around the block, he's been with great players. He doesn't mind being second or 1B. You just don't find that a lot of times in this league… He's patient, he's calm, his energy is in a positive place. He loves Dallas, he loves this group of guys, he's mentoring the younger guys of what it means to be a pro. There is a debate out there, is this the best backcourt in NBA history? That's kinda cool. Doesn't happen all the time. It works.”
Kidd has been impressed by the Mavericks stars' ability to play alongside one another. He's seen greatness from both Irving and Doncic.
“For Luka, his skillset is like no other. He's pretty good too (said with a smile on face). He's not afraid of the moment. But he's not afraid of being able to go to Kai… You look at coming down the stretch, make or miss we got great looks with our quarterbacks being able to decide that. It wasn't that Luka wanted to shoot them all, he had his opportunities in Game 2. Tonight, Kai steps up and makes some big shots. But Luka also made some big shots. The trust that they have in one another is really cool to watch.”
While speaking on ESPN's Get Up, NBA insider Brian Windhorst also made an eye-opening comparison about the debate.
Video via ClutchPoints:
Mavericks' mindset amid 3-0 Western Conference Finals lead
The Mavs were counted out by some people around the NBA world heading into the playoffs. I asked Jason Kidd about that following Game 3, and he made it clear that Dallas is simply focused on winning games and not worrying about outside noise.
“We're just playing the game,” Kidd said. “We're trying to go out and win, put our best foot forward, we're playing a very talented and well-coached Minnesota team. I don't think we're on any platforms reading. We're just actually a group that loves to play the game of basketball on the biggest stage. We leave it to you guys to write the stuff and talk about it. We just answer the questions and we keep it moving. That’s what’s kind of cool about this group.”
The Mavs' mindset has unquestionably played a role in their winning ways. Dallas does not pay attention to the criticism, rather choosing to believe in their ability as a team.
Regardless of whether or not Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are the best backcourt ever, the Mavericks are going to keep playing at a high level. The team is not going to get distracted by off-the-floor debates and arguments.
As a result, they are one victory away from an NBA Finals appearance.
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