In the second game between the Mavericks and the Thunder, Irving only scored 9 points, which seemed to be abolished by the opponent, but his defense and strategy were not covered, and the opponent was simply beaten to the point that he couldn't find the north! In the previous G1, Owen did not perform well, and after the game, he also took the initiative to take responsibility on social media, saying that he wanted to do better. No, G2 taught us a lesson with practical actions, although there were not many points, but the defense and assists definitely helped the team win a valuable victory away from home.
At the beginning of the game, the Mavericks' state was still a little slow, and the tacit understanding between Doncic and Irving didn't seem to be fully opened. But after halftime, especially when Doncic wasn't on the floor, Irving began to show his skills as if he were a different person. Although he shot 2 of 0 three-pointers in this game, the 11 assists and the performance on the defensive end, the two big hats at critical moments, especially in the last quarter, directly covered Dort, and then assisted Washington to complete the dunk in the fast break, this scene is simply hearty!
You say that Irving only scored 9 points in this game and was scrapped? Not necessarily. While shooting 2-of-8 from the field doesn't sound great, that +9 plus/minus says yes, and when he's on the court, the Mavericks are playing well. His 11 assists and a whopping six free throws are not just a game of numbers, but a direct reflection of how he plays a role on the court. Especially those key defensive and breakaway passes, which are all about saying, "Teammates, follow me!" ”
Moreover, Owen's performance was also highly praised by the American media. Although he didn't score much, his versatility and composure in key moments clearly helped the Mavericks pull back a goal in the series. Isn't this kind of performance the so-called leadership? His defense, not just steals and blocks, is more about putting pressure on opponents on the defensive end, making it very difficult for opponents to make offensive options.
Let's take a look at the other details of the game. Throughout the game, the Mavericks' tactics were executed very well, especially in controlling rebounds and limiting the opponent's fast break. Irving's consistent play at the point guard position allows the team to maintain a balance of offense and defense even when Doncic is not on the floor, which is crucial for the entire series.
Judging by the results of the game, the Mavericks' victory on the road this time was no accident. They showed the resilience and tactical discipline they deserved, and Irving's performance was a big part of it all. Although his scoring was not high, those key assists and defenses undoubtedly injected key vitality into the team's victory.
Going forward, the Mavericks' tactics should be tweaked more around the duo of Irving and Doncic, using their on-court chemistry and influence to disrupt opponents' deployments. At the same time, the rest of the squad needs to be able to step up and provide the necessary support in key moments, especially on the defensive end, where everyone can contribute and form a real team defence.
Overall, Irving's performance was not very impressive in terms of scoring, but his contributions in other aspects of the game, especially in playmaking and defense, were commendable. He's not just a scorer, he's the heart and spirit of a team. After the game, his rallying voice on social media showed that he cares not only about the individual data, but also about the team's overall performance and results.
Fans and media may be more focused on scoring, but anyone who really knows the ball knows that there is much more to winning a basketball game than just scoring. Irving's performance is a testament to his maturity as a player who knows how to find his place in a different pace of play and how to step up when the team needs it, not just by scoring, but also by defending and playing.
Such an Owen deserves to be the team's big general. Although he only scored nine points in this game, his performance was much more than just that. I look forward to continuing this high-level performance in the next games and leading the Mavericks further. This victory is not just a result, but also the beginning of the Mavericks finding their rhythm in this series, and the embodiment of team cohesion and combat effectiveness.