Kyrie Irving looks to take control after the Game 1 embarrassment. The Dallas Mavericks faced a disappointing 95-117 loss against the OKC Thunder in their semi-final series opener. After a dramatic 4-2 series win over the LA Clippers, the Mavs looked like a worthy opponent for the top-seeding Thunder. However, it all came crashing down, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. dismantled the Luka Magic’s men.

Following the game, Irving addressed the press and dropped some important advice for the youngsters on the team. He argued that the team had “spurts” of dominance throughout the game but never prolonged it. Addressing that, he stressed his teammates to focus on “Attitude” and “Approach” for Game 2. Firstly, he began his statement, by appreciating the OKC young guns. He added, “They have endless amount of energy and they’re never going to stop attacking… they have the confidence being the number one team in the NBA… We just got to come and be ready for Game 2.”

Following that, Kyrie Irving dived deep into the 2As that he suggested for his teammates. He wanted his teammates to keep in mind OKC’s fast-paced game in all four quarters and the Chet Holmgren effect. Uncle Drew added, “They’re going to play four very high-paced quarters they’re not going to slow down… Get into the half court too often… Getting on transition and they’re getting the ball hopping a little bit.” 

Speaking of the 7 ‘1 big man, Kai highlighted the drag screens and his attack near the rim. Tonight, Holmgren dropped 19 points with an 8-16 FG. Even though Shai Gilgeous Alexander anchored the game with 29 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds, the big man did the necessary damage to the scoreboard, helping the Thunder cause.

After listing the threats that OKC brings to the table, the star point guard said, “Those are the things that we have to clean up, so that’s why I’m talking about the attitude and approach to those things happenings.”

While Kyrie Irving made a detailed take, Luka Doncic dropped a straightforward advice

Jason Kidd pulled Luka Doncic into the lineup just before the game as he was listed as Questionable with a sprained right knee. The 25-year-old couldn’t bring his best on the court, as he struggled to move. On top of it, he had a tough night shooting ball. He scored only 19 points with an embarrassing 6-19 FG.

Following the tiresome game, Luka Magic had a straightforward message to his teammates. He said, “We just gotta move on to the next one. I gotta be better, we gotta be better… We gotta focus. They’re a great team, great defensive team, great offensive team. So it’s not going to be easy at all. We gotta play very good basketball and focused basketball for 48 minutes.”

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The Mavs were in a similar situation after first-round Game 1 against the LA Clippers. However, the Dallas side made a comeback in the series and took home the series with a 4-2 record. Following a setback in tonight’s game, Kai and Luka could bring in their firepower to Game 2 and level the series.

Will Luka and Kyrie level the series in Game 2? Let us know in the comments below.