Mavs vs. T’wolves Preview: Kyrie Irving Reveals ‘Biggest Asset’ with Luka Doncic

The Dallas Mavericks host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. After a five-game road trip, the American Airlines Center finally gets to see the wonder of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving together.

DALLAS - No matter the success on the road, home cooking hits just right.

With that said, following a five-game road trip in which the Dallas Mavericks went 3-2 (winning three games without Luka Doncic), the fans at American Airlines Center finally get to celebrate the Kyrie Irving-Doncic superstar backcourt as the 30-29 Minnesota Timberwolves are in town for Monday evening.

In Doncic's absence, Irving gave the fans hope as the 2016 NBA champion led the Mavs to two victories. Aside from the stats, Irving's elite-finishing ability earned him numerous trips to the charity stripe. For a Mavs team who struggles at the free-throw line, Irving's 12-12 mark vs. the Sacramento Kings on February 10 brings big value..

What is Kyrie’s biggest asset so far?. 

The biggest asset that I have,” he said,  “is to be fluid out there and adapt to any situation they throw me in..."

Kyrie Irving had a great explanation when asked about how his previous stints with superstars benefit the process of getting acclimated to Luka Doncic's game.

"The biggest asset that I have is to be fluid out there and adapt to any situation they throw me in..." pic.twitter.com/vM7Rxogze7

— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) February 13, 2023

With the Timberwolves trotting into Dallas, 6-4 in their last 10 contests, capitalizing on fouls will play a factor. Doncic no longer needs to force the issue, as Irving's circus-like maneuvers command respect from NBA officials. Irving scored 20 percent of his points in the last three games at the free-throw line.

Karl-Anthony Towns won't suit up due to a grade-3 calf strain that caused him to miss the last 38 games, and rim-protecting Rudy Gobert is deemed questionable (groin) in the latest official NBA injury report. Tim Hardaway Jr. is marked as questionable on Dallas' end due to hamstring tightness. 

With or without Gobert, the Timberwolves struggle to keep their opponents from getting the easy ones. For the past 10 games, Minnesota ranked 28th in opponent free throw attempt rate. Expect Irving and Doncic to torment Minnesota's interior defense.

FUN FACT: According to Cleaning The Glass, Doncic and Irving were +26.2 (100th Percentile) in 58 possessions together. They also posted a 131.0 Offensive Rating (100th Percentile) and a 104.8 Defensive Rating (98th Percentile) as a duo.

RECORDS: Dallas Mavericks (31-27), Minnesota Timberwolves (30-29)

WHEN: Monday, February 13, 2023 - 7:30 p.m. CT

WHERE: American Airlines Center, (Dallas, TX)

TV: Bally Sports Southwest, League Pass

RADIO: 97.1 The Freak

ODDS: The Dallas Mavericks are 7.5 favorites over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

NEXT UP: Before the NBA All-Star break, the Mavs battle the best team in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets, on February 15 at 8:00 p.m. CT. 

FINAL WORD: While Doncic's late-game shot attempt on Sacramento Kings All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox invoked painful memories from recent years, the self-aware response from the superstar revealed possible growth.

“It’s my bad. Should have gave it back to Kai," Doncic said. "For me, it’s still a learning process. But for sure, I should have gave it back. He was really hot down the stretch, so that was on me for sure.”

Although Doncic's action cost the Mavs a possible victory, realizing it after the fact could save them in the long run. Moving forward, don't expect many miscalculated decisions from Doncic and Irving. 

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