Dallas Mavs Interviews Before Game 2 of NBA Finals vs Celtics: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, More

Dallas Mavs Interviews Before Game 2 of NBA Finals vs Celtics: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, More

Jason what stood out about what you guys need to do better going back and watching the film especially to kind of attack their defense and some of the switching that they’re doing there yeah I thought um we we were you know too much one-on-one we got to move bodies we got to move the ball uh multiple guys got to you know touch the ball um we were just too stagnant um and that’s not the way we play so we we got to be better uh tomorrow you’ve gone up against show missou a handful times what’s that coaching match up like what are some of the Tendencies and things you just kind of noticed from his coaching style that you know you’re going to have to match up against in this series unfortunately we’re not playing um so I don’t know how to answer that question um I’m taller I would post him up but he probably be more physical um no I he’s one of he’s one of the best coaches in this league he’s gotten his teams to the finals uh they played at a high rate he understands his group um and so when you talk about Joe he he he’s done an incredible job um and it’s not easy especially when you’re favorite or supposed to you know be somewhere it puts his group plays at a high level his group plays hard and um he’s one of the best coaches in the league so for that um we got our work cut out as a coaching staff U we got to be better Tim over here Jason going back and looking at Kyrie’s shots what what did you think of the shots he was able to get and uh you know you’re talking about needing to move the ball more how can you get him the ball in in more advantageous situations yeah he got great looks um unfortunately our two quarterbacks had turnovers that normally you know don’t happen so um give credit to Boston um but we believe that the shots that he got in game one were great looks they just didn’t go down hey Jason newy scrs here um in game twos you guys have have won them uh what adjustments have youve been able to make in the past that have allowed you guys to take a game one loss for instance and then get a game two well I think um just there’s no Panic with this group we don’t you know um we didn’t play well in game one give credit to Boston they did um but it’s a series and we don’t just look or capitalize on just one game game um we’ve lost game one a lot of times and we’ve responded so um we we believe that we can respond in game two um and we just try to take it one game at a time um and so um we didn’t we didn’t have a really good first quarter there um at the end the end of the first uh you know put us uh down but the guys kept fighting we found a way to get it to eight um it was very similar to um the way the playoffs have started for us with the Clippers we didn’t play well um but we got it you know we cut that that 30-point lead down and made a game of it um but um we responded in game two on the road and so um we hopefully we can do the same thing here in Boston on your right Michael in second row Michael P in the ringer uh Jason what are some of the problems that Jason Tatum can create on both ends and what did you think of your defensive execution against him in game one yeah you know uh Jason uh he’s one of the best offensive players in this league um and understanding that he puts a lot of pressure behind the the three behind the line and then also being able to get you know to the rim you know so um he’s not one that just settles so um we got to again again try to keep him um you know from getting to the rim keeping him off the free throw line and then giving them U wide open threes and so that’s not easy it’s easier said than done but um again we just got to make it tough on him and then on the defensive end he you know he’s uses his length um he’s strong um and he’s not one that to give in so um we got to find other ways to score Joe front right Joe Varden the athletic you knew that KP was going to play game one um were you surprised that he came off the bench bench and is there an extra or unique challenge of having to to guard or worry about him coming in as a second unit guy yeah we knew that he was going to play um and he played well uh he played well coming off the bench um and so uh he’s played well uh starting or as they show coming off the bench so um he we got to make it tougher on him um when he starts to you know get going he can shoot it from half court you know with with range and so we got to be able to take some of those threes away and then on the other end we got to make him work but we also got to account for you know being able to when you go to the to the basket he’s going to be there and so you got to count that he he’s got a good chance of blocking your shot so we got to take advantage of his overh help at times Jeff over here on the left fourth row Jeff zot USA Today Jason you’ve mentioned that uh you Kyrie and Luca you know shared a similar position I I wondered if you three are able to have you know conversations you know just a MCH to three to the team given what you guys can see or you know did see on the basketball court what are those convers ations like yeah I think um we we we happen to play the same position um some are a little bit better bit better than others um but when you look at um the things that we have to do just in this series uh better we got to take care of the ball um we got to make it easier for Kai and Luca so you know being able to put those guys in different you know spots on the floor so that they can you know there’s a little bit um stress free so so that they can do what they do at a high level um we just didn’t do that in game one um but it’s really simple conversation um U when you talk about um some of the things that we have to do not just on the offensive end but and Kai and Luca you know take responsibility for that but um our conversations uh are are really simple and to the point um when you talk about the high IQ you don’t have to you know sit there and paint the picture you just can get right to it and they understand um from my side what I’m asking them to do and then um when they respond I understand what their responses are and what they’re talking about and what they see so uh it’s worked at an extremely um high level for for when we do talk uh in game or um on a day like today of what we’re trying to get to and uh and those guys trust uh what I see or what I’m telling them and I trust their response third row on the right Tim Jason Tim khaw Dallas Morning News uh you said there’s no Panic kind of worked because they got it down to eight pretty quickly did you think the team was being a little too either fearful or maybe even respectful of the you know Celtics environment you got young guys come out here and they see all the championship banners and everything going on did what did why did you tell them to have fun yeah you know it’s not about screaming or yelling it’s it’s it’s about with with Luca having the ball getting pressured a little bit in the back court taking some time off the clock and then getting into your half court offense um when you watch film with the team uh was there anything you saw about maybe getting into the paint a little bit more to rotate some of their defense so you can get maybe lobs or those Corner threes is there any adjustments that you’ll have for that yeah we’ll we’ll make some adjustments but um Boston’s going to give the layup to Lucas so he’s got to take it and so uh they’re not going to give him the Lop um and so and they’re not going to give the corner three and so it’s it’s two on Two And so we have to take advantage of that and we missed some layups or we missed some shots in the paint that happens um but we believe that Kai and Luca will get to into the paint uh and make him in game two um but there’s no different than what we saw Minnesota um just understanding that Boston is is is a really good defense and uh being able to Bluff or uh take away something we trust that Luca and Kai will uh will pivot and and do what’s best and that’s take the layup or take the easy to and uh continue to to just SAR out the paint and and layups um but we got to make those too um because on the other end if you don’t make them and they come down and they make a couple threes it puts a lot of pressure on on your offense Melissa last question in front uh Melissa Rolland Fox Sports um what makes going against a guy like Jaylen so challenging um well jaylen’s their best player so just looking at uh what um he does defensively he picked up Luca full court um he got to the free throw line um he did everything and that’s what you know your best player does you know just understand stand ing um you know he plays both sides defense and offense at a high high rate and um he’s been doing that the whole playoffs I mean when you talk about the Eastern Conference um MVP and uh it seems like he you know he’s continued to pick up where he left off and so he’s playing at a higher rate we just got to be a little bit more physical with him and again we got to keep him off the free throw line and out of the paint um because again he was finishing at a high rate or he was getting fouled and getting to the free throw line hi Luca Nancy liberman um yes when you had a chance to watch the film and you saw how they were playing you uh what difference do you think you can do uh to be able to get into the paint so you can maybe manipulate the defense and get your passes or your lobs off uh yeah I think just be a little bit more aggressive uh you know I think we all came out of the game with with little uh with little energy uh so I think we got to be be better with our energy especially from the start [Music] front right Bobby by Manning SS media um L Kyrie talked a little bit about you know how the crowd gets on him here you know how he kind of deals with that when you hear them kind of going after him is that something you take personally too do you guys talk about that like is that something that kind of impact you at all kind of here in Boston uh no I don’t think so we just I mean we talk about it uh but we just got to stay stay together you know I think uh we talked about two we got to talk more on the court uh than we did in game one uh so that’s got to be better from my side too [Music] fourth row in the aisle over here I look SS gbh news um you’ve been in Dallas your NBA career and after going through game one um having the emotion sort of calm down I wonder have you had any time to reflect on what it means for you just to be representing Dallas here in the finals I mean it’s big uh the team that draft to me and the the team that we believe in me uh so I’m really happy to represent Dallas uh hopefully it’s not the last time uh but I think the whole Dallas is proud of our team uh so I’m happy to represent them back left back to Center next Thompson uh Thompson twin Network I was wondering when you play it seems like you play so freely and you have so much fun and I was wondering how you are able to balance playing freely and uh being serious at the same time uh I don’t really know but I just trying to have fun uh that’s the game I love uh that’s the game that getes me paid and it’s nothing better in the world that playing basketball for your job so just trying to enjoy it next one fourth row in the center [Music] anyone with last question last one on the far right we’ll get the microphone over to you a second uh L luk a bit of a two-part saw with a light one uh kiling mbappe went to ra uh recently I wonder if you had a reaction to that I already knew it had you had you spoken to him at all no not yet um I mean not since he was he signed and I guess do you have a prediction for the upcoming Euros uh Slovenia thank you thank you go Daniel Gafford acquired midseason what an acquisition he’s been Tatum stumbles a bit lost it Kyrie Irving quick Outlet PJ Washington Washington goes to the Ren and the Strong finish yeah there was a hesitancy to him talking about it as he so desperately wants to play this is the furthest oh donic with Celtics surrounding him porzingis coming out on his former teammate doic gets inside he’s double team has to take a rough shot and PJ Washington right there to throw it down donic [Applause] by porzingis steps back three-pointer puts it in lad donic with [Music] 17 Kyrie new Scruggs NBC DFW what do you say to the MAV fans who uh panicked after game one for getting ready for game two it’s not the first time it’s not the first time we’re here the Dallas fans of panut man uh but yeah shout out to our fans we appreciate your support all year just stay poised man stay focused on the goal sub mission is bigger than us Tim McMahon ESPN Kyrie you’ve been part of multiple star Duos um how does debate about whose team is it who’s the best player on a team uh affect a team you said how does it but you know debate discussion about whose team is this you know who who’s the best player on the team how does that affect a team and and you know as a you know part of a star tandem yeah how do you handle that um by doing your best not to pay attention to because a lot of people don’t know what they’re talking about uh specifically if you’ve never played that position or been on a team at that level where um you have to go through it yourself and I know that we have people that appreciate the game of basketball that speak on it but at the same time it’s it’s a everyday thing when you’re on the team with you know other guys that add value to the team they have skill sets they work on their game and they want to be appreciated too so I do my best to nonchalantly push that conversation to the side of you know 1 a 1B or whose team is it is this that I’m just here to play basketball it’s a dream come true to be at this level I had to work extremely hard um you know I’ve been a winner my whole entire life I’ve obviously had some failures and loss but um done a lot more winning um used to it so in order to be on that type of frequency or that uh goal you got to be selfless in your approach and obviously you’re not going to get it right all the time but as a teammate you just want to push those those other things to decide that don’t really matter or get you better as a team you know so we just leave it to everybody else to argue who’s whose team is in who has the most responsibility it’s it’s all our jobs to be prepared so you know shitty conversation but it has to happen in sports thir over here Lisa Lisa Salters from ESPN hello um you said after game one you know I got to be better we’ve got to be better just what’s what’s the key to having a great balance back game for the team and for you for you personally uh just by paying attention to how we prepare and also just the adjustments sticking to the game plan Nancy in the fourth row hi Kyrie Nancy liberman how are you good how you do uh with so many people talking about the energy that the team came out with the other day is it energy and execution or what is the secret sauce for game two secret sauce what do you mean what what what adjustments do do you think you have to make on your teammates for game two uh I mean it was our first time being together as a group in this final stage um experien is the best teacher at times when you don’t know what to expect so going out there on you know TD Gard playing against the Boston Celtics we’re having a historic season um we knew that they were going to come out with a lot of Verve a lot of energy um they’ve been doing it all year so they’ve been consistent on their end um I think it’s um pretty easy to just say we can FOC focus on our end and um pay attention to what we can control uh but it’s a little bit deeper than that just uh just got to calm our nerves Poise our nerves a little bit and also just be aware of the environment that we’re in it’s going to be high intense um from who we’re going against it’s going to be very physical some things are going to be called some things aren’t um so I think we got all that experience in in game one and uh we’re looking forward to the challenge in game two to playing better uh and being who we have been uh since you know post All-Star break and and just having fun and doing it um you know it’s the highest level of basketball right now we’re the only two teams playing so uh we’re proud of ourselves but we’re not satisfied and um we just got to continue to be ourselves Shane left side here fifth row hey Kyrie Shane Shane Young with Forbes I’m just curious what coach kid is like in the moments when you’re trailing big in game one I know he was telling you guys just have fun out there yeah he was reiterating the same things I’m saying um probably a little bit more simple uh but yeah he he’s been um giving us a lot of Peace of Mind especially when we’re out there High intense environment like I said so we just got to play better Bobby front right Bob Manning steing this media Kyrie you talk about the environment I know you’ve talked a lot about the crowd how how have you kind of learned in that environment to you know handle it um is it better to just ignore it do you engage with particular fans like how did that kind of play out in game one um as you’ve kind of been in this environment multiple times now uh by realizing that I’ve been in this league for 13 years and I’ve been playing against the Celtics for quite a few years and I have quite a few playoff series against them whether wins or losses um so I just try to um be aware that this is a new space that I’m in as one of the leaders of the team and with a new group um and giving them that peace of mind like I said when things get tough It’s we’re going against a very historic team in the Boston Celtics but we’re a great team too and we ear our way to be here so we just got to remember that and engaging with fans uh here in Boston is always fun um like I said last week something I’ve turned the page over on to um but people continue to ask me about it and what do I think about it which is cool too um but yeah this is what makes Sports fun this what makes the stories fun um getting a chance to go against a giant like this whether it be just talking about the team or talking about the environment and the fans of how crazy it can get um this is what I imagine it being like you know getting to this stage again earning our way to be here with my teammates and um being able to put our best foot forward going against the best of the best that’s that’s all you dream of um everything else is just extra curric again in second row on the right Kyrie Mike Leslie WFA um I feel like during your time with Dallas part of why you’ve had the success that you’ve had is because you’ve been able to just focus on basketball in this series with so much hoopla surrounding your former time with the Celtics there’s blowup dolls of you outside the arena there’s a lot of things going on what else is there there’s some some things that I probably can’t get into right now but I feel like I’m one wondering from your perspective cuz I don’t know if there was everybody made a big deal of the Shamrock on your pants at shwed around earlier this week and I don’t know if there was actually anything to that or not but you made the comment postgame the other night you thought it was going to be louder in here I guess what I’m wondering is has this been the hardest moment for you to Laser in and focus on basketball because there is so much other stuff going on no not really uh again I’ve I’ve been able to grow over the past few years to put basketball in perspective this is an incredible experience that I get to live out for quite a few years in my life I’m going to learn a lot of lessons that I’m going to apply to life after this um I failed uh miserably uh while also not knowing how to compartmentalize or accept the emotions that come with failure and also being on the successful side didn’t know how to handle that either uh so the past few years have have been about that growth perspective for me and learning how to handle myself in situations and circumstances that are going to be um more beneficial for me to learn now uh than learning it when I’m 38 years old and I’m looking back at my career and I don’t even know how to celebrate that you know I’m I don’t expect to be celebrated by everybody I’m going to um you know still be aware that a lot of people want to see me fail but again I think I pay attention more to the way that I’m celebrated from people that love me unconditionally and I go home and I have a peace of mind and um you know thinking about my time in Boston I could go down a myriad of things that none of you in here know that I was dealing with I don’t think a lot of people would care I think a few people would care and want to hear about it and I would leave that space open in the future if you ever wanted to hear about it but um putting in perspective is just the blowup dolls all the you know remarks that are getting said that’s that’s basketball when I leave out of here and I walk around Boston I don’t hear a lot of the things that I hear when I’m playing on the court there’s a lot of mutual respect there’s a lot of eye to eye communication that’s um built on Just Being Human and uh they appreciate the things I do off the floor as well so there are a lot of Celtics fans out there that still love me too surprising to everybody but um when I’m on the street walking around which I do um you know it’s a lot of love I get a lot of embrace I take pictures my dad is here he played at Boston University um so there has to be a respect there because if anything happens to my family while I’m here then it goes Way Beyond the game you know and I don’t forget things either um somebody threw something at me here while I was here I’ve heard it all um nobody asked me how I felt after that and why uh it could be a little bit of a traumatic response when I’m back in this environment after somebody does something like that you know so um things have changed since then I’ve been a um able to accept what I cannot change but also Chang the way that I look at things to be more positive so this is fun for me man this is healthy I’m glad that I could be up on this stage speaking authentically and and then also go home be at peace fourth row Jeff on the left Jeff zil at USA Today Kyrie when it’s you Jason and Luca watching film talking basketball how unique or different of it experiences that maybe when it’s people who don’t quite have the same collective experience and see the way you guys see the game how how unique and different and enjoyable is that yeah teaching is fun uh being a student uh is even more fun uh so when you’re in the film session with J kid or or coach Sweeney or even Luca myself and rest of our guys uh there’s a lot of honest communication going on uh just what we see and uh we always uh make sure that we’re aware that uh you know we’re a new group in this in this environment too so give ourselves some Grace give ourselves some patience and uh just be ready to play our best game every day as we prepare um the things that we see out there we got to talk about it um some of the cues that you would normally have uh when you make it to this level we’re still developing um and that’s okay so as we look to become even better team a greater team through this experience this is what’s needed it’s just that honest communication last question Center assar Thompson um I was wondering how you manag to stay locked in this deep into the season and take care of your body and how do you train in order to get to this point in the season because you know after my rookie year I learned that I mean I we haven’t been playing for like a month and a half and you guys are still going like every day so I was just wondering how you’re able to take care of your body and how you train for that yeah I I would start off with this assar try not to get fomo as best you can just because you’re so used to uh playing every single day working out every single day towards a goal and now that that goal isn’t necessarily there to win the championship uh you have to set other goals and that’s comes from a personal uh standpoint you know what do you want to accomplish bring it into next season it starts now while no one is watching while it’s just you by yourself or with your brother or you’re playing five on five just working on the things that everyone said that you weren’t great at or that you could not do or you see within yourself that you need to improve um because you’re seeing how hard it is to get here and how long you have to stay locked in as you said so um I’ve I’ve been able to find some some peace of mind throughout this this journey throughout this year of just making um this phrase like our our team bonding thing like just peeking at the right time um some teams Peak really early some teams peak in the middle of the Season some teams start peaking at the end some teams get into the playoffs or get deep into the playoffs and they Peak uh so it just depends on where you are as a team and your understanding of what you’re doing and and also so appreciating all the hard work that it took to get here you know a lot of our peers uh are watching they’re trying to get back to where we are get here uh so we got to be aware that the hunger is going to be in you more next year um but we’re also going to be hungry too to you know show why we’re one of the best in the world two teams left dream come true as a kid to be on a final see the the court change a little bit see all the stickers see the 600 media members and CR conditionals that we get um it could be a lot but it’s also uh something that you want to appreciate cuz you never know when you’re going to get back so take your time but also work your tail off right now because I know that I’m going to have to get ready for you guys next season so thank you Kyrie

Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving spoke to reporters before Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics.

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