Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic Respond To ESPN’s Assessment Of Irving’s Trade After Game 6
After securing a spot in the Western Conference Finals, the two superstars of the Dallas Mavericks were able to giggle at ESPN’s trade grade.
The Dallas Mavericks advanced to the Western Conference Finals, their second trip to the West Finals in the last three seasons, after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6 on Saturday night. Following the game, a reporter asked Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, the superstar duo, to consider the D-grade ESPN assigned Irving’s trade to them during the 2022–2023 season.
Doncic asked to clarify “D?” after initially being taken aback. After that, they both chuckled, to which Doncic replied, “I don’t think we care.” Together with this team, we have fun while we play. What other people think doesn’t actually matter to us.
Dallas traded for Irving and Markieff Morris at the 2023 trade deadline in return for Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick, and two future second-round selections. It was viewed as a significant risk because Irving was once again on the move and was perceived by many as someone who was tough to deal with off the court. He had played his share of basketball with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets.
For the Mavericks, Irving has been outstanding both on and off the court. He scored 22 points in the Game 6 championship versus OKC. He has given Doncic a real superstar option to play with him and has given the youthful Dallas team experienced leadership. He has achieved success at every level and his steady presence ensures that the players maintain composure at all times. He has been greeted with open arms by the city and the team, and he has returned the favor by maintaining his spotless record in NBA Playoffs closeout games.
Beginning on Wednesday night, Dallas will play the winner of Wednesday night’s Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.
