Yesterday's home Lone Ranger ushered in a key card slot battle against the Bulls, but the coach chose to take Irving's turn, and Doncic led the team to only play one game and never returned to the court, which means completely abandoning the key card position; After the Lone Ranger lost to the Bulls 112-115, the team also officially announced that the Eastern European combination would no longer play the game against the Spurs on the 10th, and the Lone Ranger will most likely release water to keep the top 10 picks in the first round in 2023 with a greater probability, announcing the complete end of the season; So far, the Eastern European combination ended in such an ending, the most thorough backfield combination that lost, followed by rumors that everyone was concerned about whether the Eastern European combination would disintegrate.
Before the close of the trading day, the Lone Ranger traded to Irving, becoming the biggest trade winner except the Suns (traded for Durant), but after a short cooperation with Doncic, it did not bring the outside world to the expected combination effect, becoming one of the league's feared backcourt combinations, and the record has fallen from 4th in the West to 11th at present. In yesterday's post-game press conference, Irving was also interviewed by the media when asked about the team's lack of playoffs; Irving said: "I was surprised and disappointed that the team did not make the playoffs, we should have been different this season, but it did not bring what we should have to the playoffs to the fans who like us; When I came to the city, I talked to Doncic to help the team win a championship, and of course I did what I had to do and did my best, but this season it was impossible. Even so, we still have a good squad strength, but the lack of more run-in has not produced good chemistry, which has become the biggest obstacle to our progress. ”
Judging by the performance on the court alone, Irving did give everything he could to help the team move forward. Joined the Lone Ranger to play a total of 20 games for the team, averaging 38.2 minutes per game, can get 27 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 51% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range, which is a slight increase compared to the Nets data of the same period, which shows that the non-demon-worthy Irving has impeccable performance on the court and is still the top backcourt player in the league. The failure of this season will strengthen Irving's decision to test the free market, even if the Lone Ranger gives enough sincerity and respect to agree to Irving to test the free market but the extension is still open for him (the team signs first and then changes plans not to lose Irving in vain).
Coincidentally, in the post-game interview that day, Irving also publicly talked about whether he would continue to stay with the Lone Ranger. He said: "Now we can prepare for the holiday in advance, first enjoy the good holiday adjustment state, I will also consider testing the free market next, I believe my team will help me solve this problem; Whether it's staying in Dallas or elsewhere, it's been a wonderful time for me," said Irving is undoubtedly an official announcement of the possibility of testing the free market, I wonder if Irving will still be the first choice to join the Lakers and join James?
He then went on to say, "Doncic is one of the best teammates I've worked with, he's been phenomenal this season, and it's been very easy to play with him. But as a passer-by, I would like to give my good brother two suggestions: first of all, you must absolutely trust your teammates on the field, and establish good contacts and work as a team; Secondly, he is already impeccable on the offensive end, but as a team leader, defense still has to lead by example, and the regular season can be won with the strongest offense to enter the series more about defense and the attitude of the team leader, which can be contagious. The two have not worked together for long, but judging from the advice given by Irving, they really regard Doncic as a good brother to themselves.
On the surface, the two are good brothers, but it reflects from the side that the two are not compatible, and it is only a matter of time before Irving is a player with a unique personality and leaves the Lone Ranger. Do you think the Lone Ranger can successfully renew his contract to keep Irving?