Kyrie Irving Says Mavericks ‘Nowhere Close to Our Championship Habits’ After Victory Over Jazz

Kyrie Irving stresses the importance of ‘championship habits’ as he leads the Mavericks to a 110-102 victory over the rebuilding Jazz, highlighting Dallas’ growth.

DALLAS — Kyrie Irving’s leadership was displayed Monday night as he steered the Dallas Mavericks to a 110-102 win over the Utah Jazz at American Airlines Center.

Following a challenging loss in Phoenix, the Mavericks regrouped with Irving not only leading on the scoreboard—where he posted 23 points along with six rebounds and nine assists—but also in guiding Dallas’ evolving identity as a team seeking championship-caliber habits.

“We’re nowhere close to our championship habits right now,” Irving said, acknowledging the work ahead. “We’re in that developmental stage, trying not to get too frustrated but also staying encouraged, staying motivated.”

Irving Steps Up in Dončić’s Rare Off-Night

With Luka Dončić experiencing a rare off-night offensively, shooting just 5-for-22 from the field, Irving shouldered more of the offensive burden to keep Dallas on track.

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“I pressed the gas a little bit,” Irving admitted, explaining his response to Dončić’s shooting struggles. “Basketball is an up-and-down game. Nights like that happen, whether it’s me struggling or not finding my shot as soon as I would like, but we all have to pick each other up.”

Head coach Jason Kidd emphasized the importance of supporting Dončić when he isn’t at his best, reinforcing the team’s collaborative approach.

“He’s human, and we saw that tonight,” Kidd noted. “But he really leaned on his teammates to create plays and wide-open looks.” Kidd’s comments underline Irving’s role as an adaptable leader who can modify his game on the fly to address team needs.

Adapting to Opponents’ Defensive Strategy

Irving acknowledged that opposing teams are adjusting their defensive schemes against Dallas this season. They often pack the paint to neutralize the Mavericks’ lob threat and dare them to capitalize from outside.

“They’re making an emphasis on our bigs not being able to roll freely, closing out really hard on us, and also living with something out there,” Irving explained. “We’ve got shooting on the perimeter, guys who can be an interior threat, and guys who can play in the mid-range, so teams have to live with something.”

These adjustments challenge the Mavericks to diversify their offensive approach, transitioning from their signature lob play to a strategy that leverages ball movement and precise shot creation. Irving’s awareness of these defensive shifts underscores his analytical mindset, revealing his intention to ensure Dallas adapts effectively.

“Right now, they’re letting a lot of things go defensively,” Irving added, “so we adjust to them, but we’re also focused on building up our own rhythm to stay consistent.” His observations highlight the Mavericks’ need to cultivate their offense independently of the opposition’s approach, establishing a consistent internal rhythm as the season progresses.

Building Chemistry with Klay Thompson

Irving’s leadership goes beyond his performance; he’s equally focused on developing synergy with new additions like Klay Thompson, who scored 18 points and provided crucial floor spacing against Utah. For Irving, Thompson’s seamless integration into Dallas’ offensive system is central to the team’s early-season priorities.

“Having Klay out there changes things,” Irving noted. “He’s a high-level thinker, especially on the backside, and makes it easier to find open shots. We’re building that rhythm so that we know when we’re going to get those shots. Right now, the ball is like finding each other when we’re open.”

Thompson’s presence has been instrumental in enhancing the Mavericks’ spacing, creating more opportunities for Dončić and Irving to navigate. In Monday’s win, Thompson went 4-of-9 from deep, scoring 18 points and maintaining his season average of 19.7 points per game. He’s also contributed 4.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists through three games while converting 45.5% from beyond the arc.

Looking Ahead

As the Mavericks prepare for a quick turnaround against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Irving’s ability to lead the team through its growing pains will be crucial.

Reflecting on the team’s trajectory, he shared, “We’re getting quality looks that just haven’t gone down. It’s early, but if we get these shots all season, we believe that we’re going to be one of the best offensive teams in the league.”

Irving’s steady influence and analytical approach are central to the Mavericks’ pursuit of consistency, underscoring his role as both a stabilizing presence and a strategic thinker. With Dallas continuing to adapt and build chemistry, Irving’s insights and adaptability will be instrumental in shaping their progress toward long-term success.

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