After a week without Luka Doncic due to an injury, Kyrie Irving has contributed significantly to this Dallas Mavericks on course. With a record of 11-8 to start N.B.A During the regular season, PJ Washington reflected on Irving’s leadership in Doncic’s absence, emphasizing his crucial role in the team’s success.

Several players stepped up in the Mavericks’ recent win over the New York Knicks, with Irving and Naji Marshall showing standout performances. Washington, who scored 19 points, also regained his confidence and contributed significantly to the victory. Additionally, Dereck Lively II, Quentin Grimes and Spencer Dinwiddie each found their rhythm and exceeded their recent performances.

With the team seemingly finding its way, Washington was full of praise for Irving’s leadership after the game. “He told us to be more aggressive and in the second half he really showed what he was made of. I think he’s doing a great job leading the team and managing the game,, Washington said.

The striker continued: “At the end of the day, we played great basketball together and tried to fit together as a unit.” Irving has certainly improved in Doncic’s absence, averaging 25 points per game over the last week.

PJ Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks throws a shot in front of Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center on November 17, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Washington on Doncic’s absence

Since Doncic’s injury on Nov. 19, the Mavericks have relied heavily on Irving’s leadership, but Washington emphasized the team’s overall chemistry. “It’s next man up,” Washington said. “At the moment everyone gets a chance, and We play hard, play together and just try to stay connected for 48 minutes.“

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While many teams would struggle without their star player, head coach Jason Kidd has handled the situation effectively by using both starters and backups. Marshall has thrived in his expanded role and Lively II is gradually returning to the form he showed at the start of the season.

Washington talks about Quentin Grimes’ performance

Players often feel especially motivated when competing against their former teams, and Washington has thought about how that can lead to outstanding performances. He highlighted Quentin Grimes, Note that some players are simply up to the challenge when playing against familiar faces.

“I’m happy for him. He had a great game. Of course you want everyone to have a great game against the old team. He was very aggressive, played a great game and we need that in every single game now,, Washington noted Grimes’ accomplishments.

Washington continued: “This is a big confidence boost for him and of course for everyone else too.” The Mavericks’ confidence and mentality are currently the answer to their great performance in the final two games of the NBA regular season.