Doncic and Irving have proved they work together – Kidd
Patric Ridge
February 23, 2024 22:31 MYT
February 23, 2024 22:31 MYT
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving have proved any doubters wrong after leading the Dallas Mavericks to a seventh straight win.
That is the opinion of coach Jason Kidd, whose Dallas team overcame the Phoenix Suns 123-113 on Thursday.
Doncic had 41 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists, while Irving finished with 29 points.
Dallas have been without at least one of Doncic or Irving in 27 games this season due to injuries, but the duo have now started in the last seven games.
"I think it answers the questions that those two co-exist quite well," Kidd said.
"I think it just shows again, our health, our energy, everything's positive right now. I think the guys are having fun. You can see that energy on the floor.
"They want to win, and you can see that energy on the floor. Those guys are cheering for one another.
"There's going to be mistakes, there's going to be missed shots, but it's on to the next play.
"You can see that. We were on a roll and then we go on [the All-Star] break. Sometimes you can come out flat, but I thought the guys did a great job tonight."
Seven in a row, man. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/FBoKvxhYfb — Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 23, 2024
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Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, though Phoenix were unable to keep Doncic or Irving down.
"You just have to know that, especially after he makes one, that the next one is coming up," Booker said of Irving.
"He's a great player and hard to guard. We definitely could have limited some of those transition looks."
The Suns have lost two of their last four games, and are now one place below the Mavericks in the Western Conference.
"We didn't start the third quarter with enough attentiveness," Suns coach Frank Vogel said.
"We did get a little too stagnant offensively. We had some breakdowns with what we were supposed to do. That led to some tough possessions."