Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving shocked everyone on Sunday night when the Dallas Mavericks took Game 3 victory in the Western Conference Finals – just one win away from making the NBA finals. Lately, the dynamic duo had to face intense scrutiny over their abilities especially since the two failed to qualify for the playoffs last season.Â
When Irving came to the Mavericks after the failed experiment of a superteam with Kevin Durant and James Harden, his move was highly criticized by NBA fans as they thought he would cause trouble in Dallas. Given, he has also been associated with mischief and off-field entanglements.Â
But this season, Irving formed a fantastic offensive tandem with Doncic, leading the Mavericks close to the glory of the NBA Finals as they dominated the basketball court against the Minnesota Timberwolves in WCF Game 3, on Sunday.
In light of the recent triumph of the superstar duo, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III acknowledged how the majority of people criticized Irving’s move to Dallas but he believes those people now owe an apology to him and Doncic for understating them.Â
A lot of people have to apologize to Luka and Kyrie. They are a perfect match together.Â
Robert Griffin III wrote in an X post
Doncic delivered 33 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals, propelling the Mavs to a 116-107 stellar victory over the Timberwolves. While Irving notched up 33 points and four assists, leading the Mavs to a commanding lead of 3-0 in the ongoing series.Â
Kyrie Irving speaks out beyond the backlash
While receiving appreciation for the victory, the superstar guard opened up about the criticisms he had been facing since he joined the Mavs during the post-game interview. Irving shared he has always been a team-first player as he never cared about the backlash.Â
Kyrie Irving (Via Open Source/X)Ever since I was young, I’ve always felt like I’m one of the best in the world because I’m able to play with other great players—Everything else that people have thrown on my career has been up to them.
Kyrie Irving said post Game 3on Sunday
Dallas guard stated he wants to be remembered more than the stats he put on his sheet. Though some people remain skeptical about his abilities on a long-term basis, Irving is focused on reconstructing his reputation.Â
