The series is currently knotted 2-2 going into Game 5 in Oklahoma City on Wednesday after the Dallas Mavericks’ heartbreaking loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 on Monday night.
Dallas had every opportunity to win Game 4, but they lost due to Luka Doncic’s and Kyrie Irving’s troubles as well as their terrible free-throw shooting in the contest. In this game, Doncic and Irving combined for just 27 points, and the Mavs missed a great chance to grab a 3-1 series lead.
The Thunder should be commended for their protection of Doncic, even though his numerous injuries are mostly to blame for his difficulties. Lu Dort is irritating Doncic despite his risky play, and he appears to be more concerned with generating fouls than actually playing.
Following Game 4, Tim Hardaway Sr. criticizes Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic.
Tim Hardaway Sr., the father of Mavs guard Tim Hardaway Jr., expressed his disapproval of the Mavs’ performance in Game 4 and criticized both Irving and Doncic.
Irving is “deferring to Luka too much” in this series, according to Hardaway Sr. He is currently blasting Irving’s playstyle after previously dissecting Doncic’s earlier in the playoffs.
It is alarming that Irving only scored nine points in a playoff game, but this is entirely the result of the Thunder’s intense concentration on slowing him down. It is evident that they are putting more emphasis on preventing Irving and Doncic, which has resulted in outstanding performances from P.J. Washington. It must also be annoying for Hardaway Sr. to keep disparaging his son’s club.
Now that Hardaway Jr. has managed to put together a few consecutive strong outings, he must worry about what his father is saying to him from the outside looking in. This is not the most appealing appearance.
The Mavs and the LA Clippers were in a similar situation during their previous series, but if the Mavs are to win the series, Doncic and Irving will need to improve.
Keep checking back for the most recent information on Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, and the Dallas Mavericks during their intense series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.