The Mavericks are 32-26 when Doncic and Irving play. Dallas acquired Irving from the Brooklyn Nets last season.
“Multiple team sources indicate there is genuine affection between the stars,” Stein wrote. “A recent example shared with The Stein Line: At a Dončić 25th birthday party in Toronto last month, Irving was the last maverick to close out the evening with Luka at the end of the night. Another example: Earlier this week, when the Mavericks held an optional workout so low-minute players could work extra in the morning after another road win in San Antonio, Irving and Dončić unexpectedly attended the session and played in the pickup. Games. They clearly enjoy each other’s company.
The Mavericks are 41-29 this season. They occupy eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
Jason KiddThe group is sixth in the NBA in points per game and 22nd in points per game allowed.
Doncic is averaging 34.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists this season, while Irving is averaging 25.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Irving requested a trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2017 and was traded to the Boston Celtics. After two years in Boston, Irving signed with the Nets in the summer of 2019.
Irving appeared in 143 games with the Nets before being traded to the Mavericks. The NBA champion requested a trade from Brooklyn.
Even though the Mavericks missed the play-in tournament last season, the front office re-signed Irving to a three-year, $126 million contract in July.
“Everywhere he turns,” said a league source familiar with the Mavericks’ dynamics, “Kyrie sees people who love him and want the best for him.”
Irving has not reached the NBA Finals since his departure LeBron James. It will be fascinating to see if Uncle Drew can win a championship with Doncic in Dallas.
