3 Reasons why Kyrie Irving is the key to the Mavericks season

2. Elite scorer

In tandem with the last point, Kyrie Irving’s ability to take pressure away from Luka Doncic is combined with one of the best offensive arsenals in the NBA.

Yes, Irving’s top-notch talent will keep defenses honest, allowing Doncic to work, but it’s that exact talent that will make Irving such a valuable asset for the Dallas Mavericks in the first place.

Throughout Doncic’s five-year career with the Mavericks, another player has averaged over 20 points per game just twice, and both times it was Kristaps Porzingis (2019-20 and 2020-21).

In both of the seasons Porzingis accomplished the feat, he just barely hit the mark, averaging 20.4 and 20.1 points, respectively, and he didn’t play more than 60 games in either one of them.

It’s safe to say that Irving is not only the best player that Doncic has ever played with, but also the best scorer. And while it may seem more important to mention the first fact, the second could have a bigger impact.

Obviously, Doncic’s ability to carry the scoring load in Dallas is what has made him so special, but what will he be able to accomplish when he doesn’t have to put up 30 points for the Mavericks to have a chance at winning?

A lot of the conversation surrounding Irving has been about maximizing Doncic, but the point guard will also help the Mavericks when Doncic struggles because when Doncic can’t score, Irving will be right there to back him up.