Mavs

 Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving Take Blame for Mavs' Loss to Wolves

Dallas -- Luka Dončić blamed himself for flying to Minneapolis with the Dallas Mavericks instead of starting his break before the NBA Finals.

Following the Mavericks' 105-100 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 4 on Tuesday, which ended their hopes of sweeping the Western Conference semifinals, Dončić said, "I think this game is on me. I didn't bring enough energy."

 Dončić achieved his sixth triple-double in these playoffs, amassing 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, his shooting performance was subpar (7 of 21 from the field), and he tied for the worst plus-minus rating of the night (minus-13) with Mavs forward P.J. Washington.

Dallas co-star Kyrie Irving also had his worst offensive performance of the series, scoring 16 points on 6 of 18 shooting with four turnovers. Irving took responsibility for breaking the Mavs' five-game winning streak, specifically citing his carelessness in setting the wrong tone in the first quarter.

"He's not alone in this," Irving said. I anticipate him saying something like that, given his passion, his desire to win, and his commitment to leading our team So I expect nothing less. I think you've heard me say it too, just that it's on me. That's what you should hear from your team leaders."

wolves vs mavs

 The Timberwolves changed their primary defensive assignments on Dallas' star duo. Jaden McDaniels, who had been guarding Dončić for the first three games of the series, chased Irving in Game 4. Anthony Edwards, who spent most of the first three games guarding Irving, defended Dončić.

This was the first time this season that both Dončić and Irving shot below 35% from the field in the same game.

"It's not on them, it's on us as a team," Mavs forward Derrick Jones Jr. said. "We're a unit.  We head out there as a team, playing, winning, and losing as one unit. It's not on one person. I know they're the team leaders, the head of the snake, but we have their back through every tough situation."

Dončić, who was 5 of 15 from the field when Edwards was his primary defender, did not directly answer a question about the impact of the Minnesota superstar's defense. Instead, Dončić blamed himself for the loss, though he later called Edwards (29 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) an "amazing player."

image credit to : canishoopus.com  luka dončić

 

Irving credited McDaniels, a second-team All-Defensive selection, for disrupting his rhythm.

"He has a huge impact," Irving said. "I mean, he's a 6-9 wing defender I’m seeing for the first time at the start of the game. So it's an adjustment, but I like it. I enjoy these kinds of opportunities."

This loss marked the first blemish on Irving's career record in potential closeout games. He is now 14-1 when his team has a chance to eliminate the opponent, ending the longest individual winning streak in NBA history in such situations.

"It's a new place," Irving said. Now we just need to cope with it, manage this defeat, and prepare for Minnesota, appreciating their crowd since it will be intense.

 

FAQ: Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving Take Blame for Mavs' Loss to Wolves

1. Why did Luka Dončić blame himself for the Mavericks' loss? Luka Dončić felt he didn't bring enough energy to the game, which contributed to the Mavericks' 105-100 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 4.

2. How did Luka Dončić perform in the game? Luka Dončić recorded his sixth triple-double of these playoffs with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. However, he had a poor shooting night, hitting only 7 of 21 shots from the field.

3. What was Kyrie Irving's performance like in Game 4? Kyrie Irving had his worst offensive performance of the series, scoring 16 points on 6 of 18 shooting and committing four turnovers.

4. How did the Timberwolves defend against Dončić and Irving? The Timberwolves switched their primary defenders on Dončić and Irving. Jaden McDaniels, who initially guarded Dončić, switched to Irving, while Anthony Edwards, who guarded Irving in the first three games, took on Dončić.

5. What did Irving say about their performance and the loss? Kyrie Irving took responsibility for the loss and acknowledged that both he and Dončić needed to lead the team better. He also praised McDaniels for his defensive impact.

6. How did the team react to the loss? Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. emphasized that the loss was a team effort, stating that they win and lose together as a unit.

7. What was Irving’s record in potential closeout games before this loss? Before this loss, Kyrie Irving had a 14-0 record in potential closeout games, the longest individual winning streak in NBA history for such situations.

8. How did the players plan to move forward after the loss? Both Dončić and Irving focused on dealing with the loss, preparing for the next game in Minnesota, and handling the expected hostility of the crowd.

References

1. Luka Dončić's triple-double performance and his reaction to the game.
2. Kyrie Irving’s offensive struggles and comments on the loss.
3. Defensive strategies used by the Timberwolves against Dončić and Irving.
4. Team reactions and statements from other players like Derrick Jones Jr.
5. Historical context on Irving's record in potential closeout games.
6. Players’ plans for handling the loss and preparing for the next game in Minnesota.

For further details, you can refer to the original article and game reports for comprehensive coverage and player interviews.