The Mavericks have a 13-2 record in their last 15 games, their best record in 15 games since the 2010-11 championship season. Over the past 15 games, the Mavericks have averaged 116.0 points per game, shooting 49.0 percent from the field, 37.2 percent from three-point range, and conceding 104.9 points per game.
In Doncic's absence, Irving led the Mavericks to a 108-106 victory over the Warriors, who have been on a ferocious stretch of late. Irving had 26 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block and 2 steals. The 32-year-old is averaging 25.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game this season while shooting 49.4 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from three-point range and 90.7 percent from the free throw line.
'He [Owen] has consistently exceeded expectations, he's one of the leaders of our team, he's been fantastic on and off the pitch and he's been brilliant when it counts. He plays off the ball and with the ball, and he competes on the defensive end. So as a leader, that's the example you need, and that's what he's doing for us now. Mavericks coach Kidd praised Irving.
Irving has played 55 games this season and is generally fit. "I'm grateful to be able to stay fit and play so many games. I was able to show who I really am and positively influence the team to win in a positive way. To be able to come on and help the team, I'm willing to do anything, to be good on the offensive end, to be in the right position defensively. Then you can keep encouraging your teammates that it's much easier to do this on the field than on the sidelines. Owen said.
Irving has been very good in his health, he has great skills, he has a big heart, he can attack with the ball and he can play off the ball. After the Mavericks brought in Gafford and P.J. Washington, the Mavericks developed excellent chemistry. Both Irving and Doncic have taken a lot of pressure off.
'It's fantastic, it's always nice to win games, but the sense of chemistry we play together, the bonds we build in the game, it's fantastic. I love the feeling and now we're all happy and enjoying each other's success. Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. praised the Mavericks for forming good chemistry.
The Mavericks' usual starting five these days are Doncic, Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., Washington and Gafford Jr. This set of starters has both offense and defense, high offensive efficiency, and also has good rebounding ability and defensive ability. The Mavericks also have a lot of big players on the bench, and the roster is deep. That's a big reason why the Mavericks did well after the trade deadline.
The Eastern European duo finally has a good helper. Last season, Irving and Doncic teamed up, but they didn't expect the team's record to drop sharply and finally miss the play-offs. Last summer, it was rumored that Irving might leave, but he signed a three-year, $126 million extension with the Mavericks. Owen wants to make a name for himself.
The Mavericks are now fifth in the West, and if they maintain their current ranking, they will face the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. There is no doubt that this will be an uphill battle. But the Mavericks now have a very complete roster, and I'm afraid that no team in the West is willing to meet the Mavericks in the playoffs. After all, after the trade deadline, the Mavericks ranked first in the West. Irving wants the Mavericks to be ready for the playoffs this year and fit into the playoffs healthy. "As a fighter, you will be grateful to be able to fight, thank God for bless me with good health. We've been playing really well lately and we're ready for the playoffs. Owen said.