May 11, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) celebrates with Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving shares untold Luka Doncic Mavericks story

Originally posted on Dallas Mavericks on SI
By Austin Veazey | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 1:06 PM ET

Nico Harrison had the not-so-bright idea to split up Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving last season, shockingly trading Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in February. That decision left Dallas Mavericks fans reeling despite coming off a run to the NBA Finals the season before. What was supposed to be a magical season was a disastrous one.

Irving had found his home with the Mavericks and quickly developed a tight friendship with Doncic, calling each other "hermano," which is Spanish for "brother." It was a special duo to watch, but they didn't get enough time together.

On a recent stream, someone was asking if Luka Doncic was really like that, even in practice. Irving said Doncic would drop "60, 18, and 18" on anybody. For proof of concept, Irving also shared, "I witnessed him give somebody 24 points in three minutes."

Mavericks fans are wondering who that could be, and almost everybody is sarcastically guessing that it's Grant Williams, who ruffled some feathers in his time in Dallas. But that's a story that only the Mavericks players and personnel will know for now.

Kyrie said he witnessed Luka Doncic drop 24 points in 3 minutes on somebody in practice pic.twitter.com/IcUXwPhBia
— Kyrie Center (@kyriecenterig) July 25, 2025

It's not shocking that a player who was able to put up the most efficient 70-point game in NBA history was able to light people up in practice. Doncic was a special kind of talent, capable of taking over any game or situation when it was called for, part of why Dallas fans attached to him and why they were so hurt by February's trade.

Doncic is entering the final year of his deal with the Lakers, but rumors are swirling that an extensiion may be in place in August once he's eligible to sign.

This article first appeared on Dallas Mavericks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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