By james art Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks fell to 3-2 after losing to the Houston Rockets 108-102 on Thursday. Less than 48 hours after Irving said the Mavs have the best rim protection in the NBA following their 120-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the eight-time All-Star was back in front of reporters reminding them of his and the shared purpose of his teammates as he advises his boys on how to accept such a disappointing defeat.
After the Mavericks cut a 23-point second-half deficit (82-59) to three in the final frame (100-97), the Rockets made three critical defensive stops in the final minute to prevent Dallas from completing the comeback. After the loss, Irving offered some advice to the rest of the Mavs, according to Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News.
“Just try not to overthink it and just have fun hooping. We’re in the process of feeling it out,” Irving said. “We have the success of last year but it doesn’t mean a damn this year because we haven’t achieved anything.”
For Kyrie, this season is about building on last season’s success through open and honest discussions between players after losses.
“The champions are the Boston Celtics and for us, yes, we won the Western Conference championship, [I’m] we’re very proud of that, but for this group right here, we haven’t accomplished anything,” Irving added. “I think I’m just enjoying the start of the marathon. Being able to be honest with each other after games, having those conversations and being able to respond — that’s the telltale sign of a great team.
“After losses, not turning into another loss is about getting back to work tomorrow and being able to prepare and be better where we were weak tonight.”
Irving finished with 28 points, including 5 of 6 from three, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic scored 29 points. Jalen Green’s double-double (23 points, 12 rebounds) led six Rockets players in double figures, including Alperen Segun and Dylan Brooks, who each scored 17, and Tarry Eason led the second unit with 15 points off the bench.
Luka Doncic’s trick shot before the Mavericks take on the Rockets
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Hours before Kyrie Irving’s postgame comments, Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic wowed fans with a trick shot before the game against the Houston Rockets. Doncic connected on an incredible attempt in front of the Dallas American Airlines Center tunnel. Luca then casually headed back to the Mavericks locker room as his fans cheered.
The video of Doncic’s trick shot was posted on ClutchPoints’ Joey Mistretta’s own X, formerly Twitter.
The Mavs will have two days off before hosting the Magic on Sunday.