Video: Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving Reflect on Relationship After Mavs-Thunder Series

Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving discussed their close relationship after combining for 51 points Saturday night in order to send the Dallas Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals.

Since the Mavericks traded for Irving in February 2023, Dončić said Irving has been "nothing but supportive."

"He just helped me mature a lot, to see the game in a different way, and obviously on the court it's amazing to play with a guy like him," Dončić said after the Mavericks' 117-116 Game 6 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, per Mavericks reporter Noah Weber. "The leader he's been for us, not just for me but for us, he's been amazing, always positive energy."

Irving added: "I just think this guy next to me has pushed me to continue to work on my game and continue to develop as a young leader, and I think the big word we both can agree on is maturity."

The former Brooklyn Nets star said he was "dealing with a lot" when he arrived in Dallas, and that the Mavericks "embraced me with open arms."

With Dončić, however, Irving said he found a connection on a deeper level.

"I just have to sit back and marvel at his talent, and his ability to get outside his comfort zone," Irving said. "I enjoy watching him be a father, I enjoy watching him develop as a person first, and then the basketball stuff will take care of it.

"We all know his numbers and stuff like that, but I want to be a teammate and a brother next to him that helps him grow as a man and helps him achieve the things that he wants to achieve. And I know he feels the same way... He's just a good kid, man. Good human being, good young man."

The Mavericks will continue leaning on the connection between Dončić and Irving in the conference finals as Dallas prepares to open the third round of the playoffs on the road against the Denver Nuggets or Minnesota Timberwolves.