After Luka Doncic had yet another impressive performance to help the Dallas Mavericks win Game 2 vs the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kyrie Irving was full of praise for his fellow teammate. As most NBA fans should be aware by now, Kyrie and Luka have played for less than 2 seasons together.
Although they failed to make it to the playoffs during their first season together, the duo have established themselves as one of the top backcourts in the league and have carried their team all the way to the Western Conference Finals.
After a heroic performance and game-winner from Luka Doncic to help the Mavs take a 2-0 series lead, Irving was interviewed and asked to share his thoughts about Doncic. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Kyrie Irving thinks Luka Doncic was underestimated entering the league
While several NBA stars are hyped up as draft prospects even before entering the league, the same cannot be said about Luka. After all, he did not attend college in the USA like the majority of athletes and was playing in the Euro League before making it to the NBA.
Since Luka was not from the USA and had no real experience with NBA-type basketball, there were plenty who doubted him when he declared for the NBA Draft and were hesitant to bring him onto their roster. Kyrie Irving pointed out that Doncic had proved everyone wrong with his play over the years.
Kyrie Irving on Luka Doncic: “I’m amazed. I don’t use that word lightly either… I think he’s answered a lot of calls. When Luka first came into the league, there were a lot of questions on what he was going to turn out to be. I know a few people are eating their words. Watching… pic.twitter.com/7KivsKGhhv
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 25, 2024
“I’m amazed. I don’t use that word lightly either… I think he’s answered a lot of calls. When Luka first came into the league, there were a lot of questions on what he was going to turn out to be. I know a few people are eating their words. Watching him ascend into becoming an all-time great is amazing…”
It is undoubtedly a compliment to be considered amazing by one of the most skilled players in NBA history. With each passing postseason, Luka continues to establish his spot as one of the greatest players ever.
Luka Doncic ties Oscar Robertson for the 10th-most playoff triple-doubles ever
Although this is just Luka Doncic’s 6th season in the NBA, he has made it to the playoffs almost every single time and put up very impressive numbers in the postseason. Be that as it may, it might still stun NBA fans to hear that he is tied with Oscar Robertson for playoff triple-doubles.
Moreover, there is no denying that Luka is the better scorer when compared to Robertson. The Mavs star currently has 8 playoff triple-doubles and is tied for 10th on the all-time list. When his career comes to an end, it is quite possible for Doncic to catch up to Lakers legend Magic Johnson who had 30 playoff triple-doubles.