ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Predicts Massive Kyrie Irving Game 6 for Dallas Mavs: 'I'm Sensing 40 or 50'
Kyrie Irving has been relatively quiet on the offensive end of the floor during the Dallas Mavericks' Western Conference semifinal series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging just 14.4 points through five games so far. That could change with the Mavs holding a 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 on Saturday night at American Airlines Center, though.
Irving is one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, and he holds an all-time record of 13-0 in closeout games. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes Irving is in for a major Game 6 performance.
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"I'm sensing 40 or 50 from Kyrie," Smith said on ESPN's First Take.
Irving's scoring output is down from what it usually is, but his defense and playmaking have been elevated. Along with playing tenacious perimeter defense, Irving is averaging 6.8 assists per game against OKC, an uptick from his 5.2 average in the regular season. He's also shooting 45.9 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from deep.
“It’s challenging physically, mentally, and I’ve accepted that and focused on the things I can control,” Irving said of having to alter his role due to OKC's defense.
“I’m really laying my hat on the defensive end and trying to make the right plays offensively. They’re putting three on the ball at times and I could obviously take a lot of tough shots and I think that’s coming in the near future when it’s needed. ... But for now, it’s just reading the game and allowing the basketball gods to shower me with a lot of love when you’re playing the right way.”
Game 6 between the Mavs and Thunder will take place on Saturday at AAC. The game will tip off at 7:00 p.m. CT on ABC. Stay tuned to DallasBasketball.com for extensive Mavs coverage.
