Kyrie Irving Answers Mavs’ Call in Clutch
Sifting through silver linings during a 1-4 stretch is not for the faint of heart. However, Kyrie Irving’a cardiovascular system is working mighty fine. Win or lose, Irving answers the Dallas Mavericks' call for clutch performances. Irving’s recent three-game stretch alludes to a bright future if the rest of the Mavs follow suit.
During Tuesday’s 120-117 loss to the Golden State Warriors, the Mavericks exchanged blows with Stephen Curry. Despite Luka Doncic producing a scoreless quarter, the Mavs led by as many as seven points.
Nov 6, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots as Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
How could Dallas contend with Golden State amid Doncic’s derailment?
Won or lose, Irving answered the NBA version of the bat signal by scoring the second-most clutch points in the last three games. Furthermore, Irving led the Mavs with nine points in the final quarter, before Curry’s game-sealing 10-0 run.
Although the Mavericks struggled to beat the Warriors in a clutch game, corroborating the theme of their 1-5 record in such situations, Irving maintains the veteran ability to slow the game down in his favor.
Irving had multiple magical moments during the fourth quarter, including a play in which he spun past Curry for a layup. Regardless of the angle or defender, Irving typically arrives at his destination without a sense of stress, only determination.
Amid a rough stretch, Irving is the heart beating, as the rest of the team finds itself in cardiac arrest in clutch situations.
Still, for as bad as the losses appear, if the ball bounces the other way, the Mavs’ clutch record could invert into a positive outlook of an otherwise dreadful situation.
Until then, expect Irving to answer the Mavs’ call.
