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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings Feb 11, 2023 Sacramento, California, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving 2 and guard Luka Doncic right sit on the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento Golden 1 Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrenxYamashitax 20230211_lbm_yl1_392
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1024199802h.jpg)
via Imago
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings Feb 11, 2023 Sacramento, California, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving 2 and guard Luka Doncic right sit on the bench during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento Golden 1 Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrenxYamashitax 20230211_lbm_yl1_392
The spotlight shined brightly on the Dallas Mavericks’ budding superstar, Luka Doncic, in their preseason opening against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Mavericks’ loss to the Timberwolves, Doncic’s performance astounded the spectators. With his insane skills on the court and especially his no-look pass, Doncic stole the show. And due to his performance, the audience got a preview of what’s to come in the next NBA season.
However, the fans were not at all impressed with the performance of Kyrie Irving. Due to that, they started criticizing the duo of Doncic and Irving on social media.
Luka Doncic puts up a show for the fans
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Luka Doncic, known for his excellent talents and court vision, put on a show in the preseason match. While the Timberwolves won the game 111-99, it was Doncic’s electrifying performance that stole the show. Doncic put in an incredible 25 points before the halftime buzzer, demonstrating his scoring power. He impressed fans with a famous step-back three-pointer that rendered defenders useless and viewers speechless.
Even in a preseason game, Doncic’s ability to generate scoring opportunities and basketball IQ were on full show. Especially during one play where Doncic drove in with the ball, faked a shot, and gave a no-look pass. That play earned his team 4 points as it was a 3-pointer and a foul. Not only did it earn him 4 points, but it also got the fans up on their feet, including the Mavericks team owner, Mark Cuban. Although, despite Doncic’s individual brilliance, the Mavericks had a difficult start to the game.
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The squad struggled to establish its flow in the first quarter, shooting 6-23 from the field and missing all 10 attempts from beyond the arc.
Read More: At Maverick’s $70 Million Practice Facility, MrBeast Gets a Surprise Gift From Mavs Star Luka Doncic
The Timberwolves took advantage of Dallas’ poor start, creating an 18-point lead that proved impossible to overcome. Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ head coach, recognized the difficulties of integrating new components and making defensive changes. He managed to limit the playing time of key players like Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the preseason opener, aiming to keep them for 15-16 minutes. However, the fans were not impressed with this duo and criticized them on social media.
Fans criticize the new duo of the Dallas Mavericks
After witnessing Doncic dominating on the court many fans were impressed. But they were very disappointed with Kyrie Irving as they expected this duo to be extraordinary. However, fans did not think that the two were looking like a good duo and expected a lot more from them.
One fan was very upset by the Mavericks’ loss and said, “I hate the way Luka plays bruh, so slow and sluggish, he and Kyrie are a trash duo.”
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Another fan admired Doncic’s game and wrote, “Smart Luka 🧠”
One fan felt bad for Doncic and suggested, “Luka need to find a team that is good is shooting 3s cause his a good passer👍”
Another fan did not see any chemistry between Doncic and Irving and said, “still don’t think Kyrie and Luka are a compatible duo”
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The Dallas Mavericks are looking forward to an engaging season. With a dedication to improving defensively, integrating new players, and finding the appropriate balance in player rotations. Doncic’s leadership and skill set will surely be a motivating force to make a significant impact in the crowded Western Conference.
Watch this Story: Mavericks All-Star Kyrie Irving Recalls Paulo Coelho’s Gem as Luka Doncic & Co Gather for Preseason in Abu Dhabi