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via Getty
DALLAS, TX – MAY 6: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense on Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game on May 6, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/gettyimages-1232733161-612x612-1.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
DALLAS, TX – MAY 6: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets plays defense on Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game on May 6, 2021 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA season tends to bring a myriad of surprises. Whether it be under or overachieving teams, there are always a few erratic clubs around the league. However, this season, in particular, has seen quite a few shocking developments. While the season is still young, teams like the Houston Rockets, under new head coach Ime Udoka, and the Minnesota Timberwolves, courtesy of a superstar-like explosion from Anthony Edwards, have been pleasant surprises. But, no team has seen quite a meteoric jump like the Dallas Mavericks. With Luka Doncic on pace to finally capture that elusive, but inevitable, MVP, the Mavs are rolling. And, they might just be getting better.
After a slow start to the season, it looks like Kyrie Irving is finally back. Due to his explosive outing against the New Orleans Pelicans, Luka had a hilarious summary of the night’s events.
Luka Doncic turns comedian for Kai
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Despite the big-time acquisitions and trades of the offseason, Dallas had a relatively low-key turnaround. With a disastrous second half under the new Irving-Doncic pairing, there were questions about the team’s future. However, Dallas went with value instead of luster.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-02-11T055248Z_1988997121_MT1USATODAY19969326_RTRMADP_3_NBA-DALLAS-MAVERICKS-AT-SACRAMENTO-KINGS.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) stands on the court after a timeout against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
As a result, their priority was on the team’s needs. So, names like Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr., while not marquee, became valuable parts of their engine. Their patience, and basketball IQ are already paying dividends. The team is off to its best start in decades. But, what was more surprising was Irving’s regression.
Despite the team standing at 8-2, Kai had been mediocre and far from his superstar self. However, as another young and hungry team in the Pelicans came around, Kyrie finally broke out. In an explosive performance, the man with arguably the greatest dribble package in history was at his bucket-getting best.
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While he would compile 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 29 minutes, today wasn’t even his day. According to the Slovenian Doncic, the dribbling maestro was tired. Of course, after that performance, it seems like Kyrie might be taking inspiration from former teammate LeBron James.
Even Luka wasn’t ready to buy Ky’s lies. “He said he was tired before the game. That was, how you say, B.S.”
https://x.com/NationMffl/status/1723891789499621561?s=20
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With Kyrie breaking through, Luka on a historic run, and the Mavs rolling, what is their ceiling?
This is a developing story.
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