Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks player, spoke to the media after the win in Game 3 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinal.
Kyrie Irving was once again among the main contributors to his team’s win, as they now lead the series 2-1. However, the X factor in this win was Dereck Lively, whom the Thunder intentionally fouled hoping he would miss free throws. Despite missing three in a row, the Mavericks’ rookie regrouped and finished the game with a solid 8/12 from the line, which was one of the decisive factors in the win. Irving commented on the advice he gave to his young teammate.
“We came back to the bench and I was like man you don’t have to do all that, just let them foul you, accept it, take it as a compliment, and go up there and knock down your free throw. We believe in you…He showed a lot of poise…It worked out in our favor tonight. Just want him to go up to that line and shoot confidently.”
The Mavericks now lead the series 2-1, and the next game will be played on Tuesday at 3:30 AM.