Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Kyrie Irving has become a true leader for the Mavericks

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jun 18, 2024 10:03 AM ET

Kyrie Irving didn't get the fairy-tale win over the Boston Celtics he was likely hoping for. The Dallas Mavericks fell to the Celtics in five games. Irving has a strained relationship with Celtics fans. However, he didn't let that history get in the way of him leading his team.

Throughout the series, Irving was Dallas' claiming force. His veteran leadership and experience on the biggest stage were invaluable. Since heading to Texas, Irving has become the type of leader Boston and the Brooklyn Nets had hoped for. After Monday's loss, he displayed those leadership skills with a post on X.

"Tribe, stay together no matter what," Irving posted. "Through the ups and downs, wins and losses, success and failure. Keep your head up high. This mission is bigger than us. I love you all!"

Tribe, stay together no matter what. Through the ups and downs, wins and losses, success and failure. Keep your head up high. This mission is bigger than us. I love you all!

Hélà♾❤️
— Chief Hélà (@KyrieIrving) June 18, 2024

The Mavericks will likely get another shot at a championship. The duo of Irving and Luka Doncic is extremely talented. Dereck Lively II's continued growth will be an important factor in the Mavericks' future chances of success.

Losing in the NBA Finals is often a prerequisite to future success. The Dallas roster will be driven to put itself back in a position to compete in the coming years. Irving will have a major role to play. He has overcome the questions surrounding his fit with Doncic. He has proven that he's no longer the mercurial player who left his last two teams under a cloud. He's grown as a person. He evolved as a player.

Nevertheless, Dallas needs Doncic to show a growth similar to Irving's. His defensive displays were not at the level required to become a champion. He will likely spend the summer looking to improve that side of his game. Fortunately, he can lean on Irving for advice on how to improve and develop his defensive mentality.

The Mavericks will go as far as their backcourt duo can take them. Despite their NBA Finals loss, the future is still bright.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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