The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a huge win on Sunday by taking down the Houston Rockets in overtime, 147-136. The Rockets were fighting for their right to stay alive in the Play-In race, and the Mavs required a heroic effort from their superstar duo to carry them to victory.
Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving mind-blowingly combined for 85 points as they led Dallas to a much-needed win. The Mavs are in the midst of a tight race in the playoffs as well, and Sunday’s victory now has them two games ahead of the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans for the fifth seed in the West.
Dallas Mavericks News: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving Go Full MJ-Pippen
Luka and Kyrie left it all on the floor on Sunday, and both stars were clearly winded after the overtime win. So much so, that the pair was seen exhaustedly embracing as they headed to the bench after the final buzzer:
"We work so hard and we take on so much of the pressure ourselves. We want to be successful and I think it spills over to our teammates."
Kyrie Irving speaks on LuKai 💙 #MFFL | @dallasmavs on @BallySports 📺 pic.twitter.com/rZ6SZIP1mN
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) April 7, 2024
I don’t know about you, but that hug reminds me of the great Michael Jordan’s unforgettable flu game. MJ was so spent during that game that he literally had to cling on to Chicago Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen as they were heading to the bench for a timeout.
Kyrie Irving
Luka DoncicMichael Jordan
Scottie Pippen— FastBreakPhenom (@FastBreakPhenom) April 7, 2024
On this day in 1997, Michael Jordan played in what is known as “The Flu Game”
“The big story here tonight, Michael Jordan’s physical condition. He is suffering from flulike symptoms.”
The image of Scottie Pippen holding up a physically drained MJ will forever be unforgettable pic.twitter.com/qILXPgDT1U
— AuxGod (@TheOXGod) June 12, 2020
I’m not saying that Doncic and Irving have reached the same level as Jordan and Pippen did during their six-title championship run in the 1990s. In fact, I’m not sure if any other duo will achieve those same heights.
However, as far as superstar pairings in the NBA come these days, there’s no denying that Luka and Kyrie are right up there with the best of them.
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