Less Known, Hidden and Surprising Facts About the Mavericks’ Game 1 Victory
If you could merge Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic into one player, "Kyrie Doncic," they'd be unstoppable.
Kyrie Irving scored 24 of his 30 points in the first half alone, keeping the Mavericks within striking distance and preventing a significant halftime deficit.
Luka Doncic scored 15 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, ensuring the Mavericks' victory by making crucial plays when it mattered most.
The Mavericks hadn't won a Game 1 in any playoff series since defeating the Clippers in the first round three years ago.
Kyrie Irving embraced the challenge posed by Anthony Edwards, who expressed eagerness to guard him, resulting in an exciting and competitive matchup.
Despite being a good shooting team from distance, the Mavericks struggled from beyond the arc, going just 6-for-25 in Game 1.
The Mavericks’ defense effectively trapped and controlled Anthony Edwards, limiting him to a rather modest 19 points and just one basket inside the 3-point line.
While the Mavericks focused on containing Edwards, Jaden McDaniels provided a first-half scare with 19 points, though he was less effective in the second half.