The Dallas Mavericks were making fairly great noise on their own last season, with Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic at the helm. Battling and triumphing against West favorites like the OKC Thunder and Timberwolves, the Mavs finally got to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2011. Those who thought up until then Dallas had no chance, hoped they might pull off the impossible behind two of the best guards in the NBA. Unfortunately, that did not happen, but we did see Kai, in glimpses, play some of the best ball in recent years.

And that was enough for all the Texans to await the 2024-25 season eagerly. But ‘Uncle Drew’ wasn’t happy with his performance last season. Of course, the 13-year veteran acknowledged the positives, but Irving believes there were instances where he could’ve been more efficient. “Oh, the Finals man, it’s not the best reflection of who I am,” the 8x All-Star confessed.

However, it was something he intended to get rid of going into the season this year. “Home and away- I don’t think there’s going to be a big difference. I am here to dispel all that stuff this year because it is an annoying portion of the legacy building. Yes, competition is one thing, but then you have the extra memes and extra naysayers saying, ‘Oh, why doesn’t he play well in Boston?”

Not many people were confident when Kai was heading to Boston for Game 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals last season. He struggled with his ball handling and shooting. When he returned to TD Garden for Game 5, the storyline continued, as he averaged 15 points, 9 assists, and 3 rebounds, while going 31.3% from the field. Obvious to say but the Cs crowd wasn’t too kind either to the hooper, with the “Kyrie sucks” chant being their staple go-to slogan every time Luka Doncic‘s scoring partner had possession.

One reason Kyrie, for his drop in numbers, put forth was the opponents. The Celtics weren’t just any random opposing team. There was history there. “I have always known that going against some guys I’ve played against is always going to be some of the toughest. Or I played with. … [They] know my game extremely well.” And what did that mean for Irving?

We know that both Luka and Kai get one over their opponents by attacking mismatches. Players like Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns may excel near the rim or defending the post, but once they are pulled away from the basket, it’s easier for either Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving to blow past them to the basket or hit pull-up jumpers. But with the Cs?

“That starting 5 with KP thrown in there, they had a great defensive group. And they play extremely well off each other on the defensive end. So, as much as my iso game wasn’t working, I just felt like I really settled for a lot of jump shots that I probably could have got closer to the rim. And then a lot of shots I got at the rim, I definitely could have finished,” Irving told Locked On Mavericks.

Well, it certainly is going to be different this time. For one, he has yet another star guard in his corner!

Kyrie Irving believes Klay Thompson’s addition has “added great value to our championship aspirations”

This summer was one of relaxing, rehab, and a side of taking the role of a scout for his team. We don’t have to remind you that the free agency this year was insane! And one of the biggest storylines there was Klay Thompson. Despite the decline in his performances over the past few years, teams still place great value on his experience and what he can bring to a franchise. Moreover, he did show glimpses of the prolific shooter we are all well-acquainted with in short bursts with the Dubs last season.

So, maybe all Thompson needed was a change in scenery. And a place where he can start fresh. Kyrie was only too aware of that! Seeing his career revival and the Mavs‘ deep playoff run, among other encouraging factors, was enough to convince the Splash Brother to move 1731 miles away from San Francisco. And away from his beloved Knordic Knife.

But the Mavericks are on the brink of a breakthrough. One, if successful, will not just re-write Kyrie’s story, but also Klay’s. “I feel like our dreams can be possible because he’s here now. He’s added some great value to our championship aspirations,” Kai emphasized during their media day. Here’s to wishing them all the best for the season! Do you think that the Mavs might just win it all this year?

Let us know in the comments.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.