Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn explains the challenge of playing Ben Simmons
NBAKyrie Irving Reacts to Mavericks' Painful Home Defeat to Lakers
- Kyrie Irving has admitted he needed to be aggressive against the Lakers
- Irving and the Mavericks threw away a 27-point lead as they lost to the Lakers 11-108 at home
- Luka Doncic and Irving were unimpressive for the most part
Kyrie Irving's career with the Dallas Mavericks is not going to plan. They squandered a 27-point lead to the Los Angeles Lakers to lose 111-108 at home.
The 30-year-old scored 21 points and has won just three games since he arrived in Dallas following a blockbuster trade from the Brooklyn Nets.
Kyrie hit the ground running immediately, leading the Mavericks against the LA Clippers in his first game. The Mavs then lost four of their next six games.
After starting their six-game homestand with a dominant win over the San Antonio Spurs, they've struggled to maintain that momentum. It was the first time any team had blown a lead of at least 27 points this season.
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Irving reacts to Lakers defeat
Dallas coach Jason Kidd was not happy with the performance of his players and gave a bizarre interview after the game.
The 2016 NBA champion finished with 21 points, a team-high 11 rebounds and five assists. However, he went 8-of-22 from the field, including a dismal 2-10 from deep.
He took responsibility for not being more aggressive late in the game, per SI.
"In that fourth quarter, I have to do a better job of just getting us into some initiated offensive sets and just be aggressive and not kind of force my way into the lane. I feel like after they were scoring, there were a few times I tried to rush the ball up-court and answer back with a three. I just have to let the flow of the game dictate my instincts and then be able to withstand some of the Lakers’ runs, especially when Luka’s [Doncic] not out there.”
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NBAJason Kidd's team are 6th in the Western Conference and play at home in their next four games.
Doncic on playing with Irving
Sports Brief earlier reported on Luka Doncic explaining how he would play alongside Irving, who signed from the Nets before the trade deadline.
He admitted he has never played with a ball-dominant player like the former Boston Celtics guard but is ready to play off the ball to accommodate him.
Doncic praised Irving, calling him the best ballhandler in the sport. However, the two stars will need to gel.