Irving’s Redemption in the Second Round
Since teaming up with Luka Doncic last season, Kyrie Irving has faced criticism due to a low winning percentage. However, the narrative has drastically changed as the Mavericks eliminated the Clippers and advanced to the second round. For the Mavericks, Irving’s powerful offensive performance has become a newfound redemption, especially when Doncic’s performance fluctuates due to injury.
Irving’s Slow Start
In the sixth game against the Clippers, Irving struggled in the first half, scoring only 2 points on 1-of-6 shooting. Although Doncic managed to score 18 points, he also struggled with his shooting, going 5-of-15 from the field and missing all seven of his three-point attempts. Despite this, the Mavericks managed to keep pace with the Clippers.
Irving’s Second Half Explosion
Entering the second half, Irving began to shine, scoring 28 points on 10-of-13 shooting, including 5 three-pointers. His dominant performance dismantled the Clippers’ defense, leading the Mavericks to a decisive victory and securing their spot in the second round.
Irving’s Clutch Gene
Irving’s performance in crucial playoff games is remarkable, boasting a terrifying record of 13 wins and 0 losses in series-clinching games throughout his career. This statistic underscores Irving’s ability to deliver under pressure and suggests that as long as he’s on the court, the Mavericks are almost guaranteed victory in these pivotal matchups.
Historical Statistical Performance
In addition to his clutch performance, Irving’s second-half scoring outburst against the Clippers tied his career playoff record for points scored in a half, previously set in the first half of Game 4 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Warriors, where he scored 28 points on 11-of-14 shooting.
Unprecedented Efficiency
Another striking statistic highlights Irving’s efficiency in the second half of games. In the six games played, Irving shot 43-of-72 from the field, scoring 120 points with a shooting percentage exceeding 60%. His three-point shooting percentage surpassed 50%, and his true shooting percentage reached an astonishing 74.3%. This makes Irving the first player since the 1996-97 season to achieve a true shooting percentage of at least 73% while scoring at least 110 points in the second half of a playoff series. (Panalo999)