NBA: 'We're both born for this' - Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic take Mavericks to 3-0 lead over Timberwolves

Luka Doncic saluted the “unbelievable” Kyrie Irving as the Dallas Mavericks went 3-0 up in the NBA Western Conference Finals with a 116-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Mavs were 2-0 up after two games in Minnesota, and the pressure was on the trailing side to cut the deficit to avoid falling even further behind.

With five minutes remaining, the Timberwolves were two points up, but Doncic and Irving were able to overhaul the visitors.

The duo both scored 33 points each, and in the fourth quarter their joint tally of 21 was more than their opponents scored in total.

The Mavericks have been trailing in the last five minutes of every match in the finals so far but have still conspired to win each of those.

"Down the stretch, that's where we make our money, man," Irving said after the victory.

"I think we have that poise now, and we're showcasing just our skillsets out there that a lot of teams have to guard, the depth that we have. A lot of teams have to guard each one of us, and you got to pick your poison.

"I feel like we're both born for this if you ask me, but it's just basketball, man.”

Discussing Doncic, he added: “He’s shown it over and over. Whether he’s made them or missed them, he’s taken them. That's the confidence you need to have in those clutch situations.

“When he’s making three, or he’s driving to the basket, or he’s getting to the free-throw line, it creates opportunities for all of us.”

Doncic led the tributes to his team-mate, saying: "Unbelievable. That's why some people call him Mr. Fourth Quarter, right?

"Just amazing. He's born for these situations. He's born for the clutch situations, so we just get the ball to him."

He added: “He brought that calmness to me, the maturity. It’s been unbelievable to have him on our team.”

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd enthused about both players when discussing their teamwork and contribution.

"I think when you talk about maturity, skillset, they fit," he said. "Ky's been around the block. He's been with great players. He doesn't mind being second or 1B, and you just don't find that a lot of times in this league. He will show what he needs to show, and he's done that with Luka this season. He's patient, he's calm, his energy is in a positive place.

"There's a debate out there: Is this the best backcourt in NBA history? It's kind of cool."

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