Early chemistry between Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving set foundation for Mavericks to become NBA’s hottest team

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SAN FRANCISCO — By now, most fans are aware of the relentless behind-the-scenes work that NBA players put in during the offseason — dribbling drills, shooting contests and workouts that look more like an episode of “American Gladiators” than a sports fitness regimen. It’s all on the ‘gram, existing for us to consume and applaud.

What you don’t often see, and, which is arguably more important in a team sport than individual skill work, is the systematic construction of trust, camaraderie and chemistry between teammates.

Case in point: We know Luka Doncic is good at basketball. We know Kyrie Irving is also good at basketball. For whatever reason, however, the Mavericks went 5-11 with both of them on the floor to finish last season. Their team, comprised of one of the most dynamic scoring backcourts in NBA history, missed the playoffs entirely.

They weren’t about to let that happen again.

Doncic, Irving and coach Jason Kidd knew that basketball wasn’t the issue. The team, starting with its two superstars, needed to build the intangible bond that turns average teams into good ones and, if they’re fortunate, good teams into great ones.

You’re seeing the results now — a Mavericks team that has won eight of its last nine games and 12 of its last 14. None of the top seeds in the Western Conference wants anything to do with them in a playoff series. But the foundation for their recent success began over six months ago during training camp, when trips to Abu Dhabi and Madrid allowed everyone to coalesce.

“I think when we left Madrid you could see the chemistry and trust, starting with our two leaders — Luka and Kai — was at a high,” Kidd said. “To see those two with the chemistry and trust on and off the floor at a very high level, as a coach, coaching staff, we felt very comfortable that this was going to be a good year.”

A hot start was slowed by bumps in the road that came in the form of injuries and slumps. But as it stands entering Friday night’s matchup with the Golden State Warriors, the Mavericks are one of the scariest No. 5…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/early-chemistry-between-luka-doncic-kyrie-irving-set-foundation-for-mavericks-to-become-nbas-hottest-team/

Author : Colin Ward-Henninger

Publish date : 2024-04-05 14:51:41

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