Dallas Mavs' Josh Green Praises Kyrie Irving's Leadership: 'He Wants to Win a Championship'
NEW ORLEANS — The Dallas Mavericks are off to a hot start to their 2023-24 campaign, posting an 8-2 record through 10 games. A significant change has been the team's results after committing to playing faster — an approach sparked by superstar Kyrie Irving after the team's 38-44 finish last season.
During the Mavs' 136-124 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, the team played to their intended identity at a high level. The two superstars set the tone as Kyrie Irving finished with 35 points and six assists, while Luka Doncic had 30 points and nine assists. Dallas recorded a season-high 108 possessions and 30 fastbreak points, shot 53 3-point attempts, and had a season-low six turnovers.
"I think we're pushing the pace really well," Mavs wing Josh Green said after finishing with 13 points, three assists, and two steals. "It's something in the last couple of seasons we haven't done. So early pushing the ball. I don't know where we rank in pace, but it's been a big emphasis for us, starting from training camp, and everybody's bought into it, and I think it's benefiting everybody."
Green, who often spends time alongside Irving when the superstar runs the bench unit as Doncic rests on the sideline, shared an interesting perspective after the Mavs' win over the Pelicans. Green praised Irving's leadership, calling him a great teammate with his presence and lead-by-example work ethic.
"He's been an amazing leader this year. Even last year coming in, but overall, just being around him brings everybody up," Green said. "He's a great teammate. He's been amazing to work with. He works very hard. It's a lot of things that people don't see behind the scenes, and he does all the things right — a professional guy — really good for our younger guys, but also our older guys, too."
Green also commended Irving's clear desire to buy into the Mavs' system, even if it requires him playing within the flow of the offense instead of dominating the possession like some superstars on rival teams. Green feels Irving has a strong desire to win a championship in Dallas and is doing everything he can to achieve that goal.
'"I think he's really bought into the system," Green said. "He really wants to win a championship and does all the right things to show us he wants to."
Dallas Mavericks' Josh Green and Kyrie Irving playing defense.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
As the Mavs continue to build chemistry overall, Green is seeing the payoff occur from the team spending time together during training camp, a 12-day international preseason trip, and the early portion of the regular season. There is a general acceptance of roles and expanded familiarity with each other's tendencies.
"Pretty much [a key has been] knowing your role, knowing the spots to be," Green said. "We've had a lot of time to be around each other. Guys like Derrick Jones Jr. caught onto it very quickly. Grant Williams caught onto it very quickly. You kind of start realizing the spots where Kyrie wants to get onto the court. Where Luka wants to get on the court.
"For me, the corner is the best spot in the game," Green said. "During my rookie year, sometimes Luka would throw it when I'm out and I'm like, 'I don't even know how he got it to me.' But now, you're prepared for it."
The Mavs return to action on Tuesday when they face the Pelicans for the final matchup of a two-game mini-series. The team then faces the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks to conclude a four-game road trip.
