Kyrie Irving has addressed Luka Doncic being the subject of intense criticism after the Dallas Mavericks went 3-0 down to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst had some especially biting words for Doncic and his comments quickly went viral after the game.
“His defensive performance is unacceptable,” Windhorst said on ESPN. “He is a hole on the court. The Celtics are attacking him; they are ahead in the series because they have attacked him defensively. … He is costing his team.”
Now, with Doncic bouncing back in Game 4 with 29 points in three quarters and a dominant 122-84 victory, Irving suggested Doncic had made his critics look silly.
“I think he made a few people eat their words,” Irving said after Game 4. “I’ll say that in a healthy way… I think this is his first taste of what it’s like to be on this stage and not play up to your capabilities… He responded very well. I think I expected it. I think a lot of people expected it that have seen Luka.”
Irving also touched on Mavs coach Jason Kidd fiercely defending Doncic from the intense criticism he had received.
“If you’re not out there necessarily playing with us, it’s gonna be hard for us to connect if you’re talking sh*t about one of our teammates,” Irving said. “We’re not gonna go for it. That’s what you’re saying not just from us, but our head coach.”
The Mavericks will now travel to Boston for Game 5, which tips off on Monday night.
