The Dallas Mavericks have secured their place in the 2024 NBA Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. All eyes are now on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
At the start of the season, many predicted the Mavericks would miss the playoffs, but they have defied those expectations. Their defense has been outstanding, consistently proving to be one of the best in the NBA.
Doncic and Irving’s dedication to defense has been crucial to reaching the Finals, but another key decision that has been less talked about also played a significant role.
The gamble on Kyrie Irving is the primary reason the Mavericks are heading to the NBA Finals. Midway through last season, the Mavs traded Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, a first-round pick, and several second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Kyrie Irving and Markieff Morris. At the time, this move was seen as highly risky, with ESPN even giving it a D grade. However, the Mavericks never viewed it as a gamble.
Nico Harrison stated that not trading for Irving would have been a risk, and the Mavs have believed in Irving from the start. Despite missing the playoffs last season and doubts about Doncic and Irving’s long-term fit, the Mavericks remained confident.
They doubled down by re-signing Irving to a three-year deal, which has proven to be a wise decision. Trading for Irving without re-signing him wouldn’t have made sense given their initially questionable on-court chemistry, but the gamble has paid off.
Doncic and Irving have become one of the best duos in the NBA, even entering the conversation as one of the best backcourt duos of all time. Their chemistry has improved significantly, and they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Doncic often expresses how much he loves having Irving as a teammate, and they bring out the best in each other. They reportedly spend a lot of time together off the court, including going out for long dinners. Having Irving in the locker room has been beneficial for both players, and they are excelling on the biggest stage.
While trading for Irving and re-signing him initially seemed risky to some, it’s clear that the Mavericks made the right move.
For all the latest on Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024 NBA Finals, stay tuned.
