The second game-winning buzzer-beater of Kyrie Irving’s career left the eight-time All-Star guard in awe, especially when he realized the surprising distance from which he made the shot.
“I thought I got a little closer in the paint, but I looked at it after the game and I was pretty far out,” Irving said following the Dallas Mavericks’ 107-105 victory over the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.
According to Second Spectrum tracking, Irving’s shot was measured at 20.1 feet, ranking as the second-longest hook shot made by any player this season.
“Hell of a shot by Kyrie,” remarked Nuggets coach Michael Malone, acknowledging the impressive feat by Irving.
Mavericks vs Nuggets (Via NBA/Twitter)
This spectacular game-winner showcased Irving’s versatility, as he curled off a baseline screen, caught the inbounds pass from Maxi Kleber, and launched a left-handed hook shot over Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic.
Irving credited his hours in the gym working on his off hand for the successful shot, emphasizing the importance of preparation and instinct in such moments.
“Man, majority of it is instinctual and comes from preparation for hours that no one sees,” Irving explained. “I saw Jokic taking away my pull-up going left.
I knew that he was going to come up, but I didn’t know he was going to commit like that, so he was forcing me inside the 3-point line. As soon as I felt him kind of behind me, I was like, oh, I have my left hand. It’s wide open, so why not go to it?”
Mavericks vs Nuggets (Via NBA/Twitter)
Even Irving’s teammate, Luka Doncic, couldn’t help but be amazed by the shot. Doncic, who returned after sitting out due to injury, expressed his disbelief at Irving’s remarkable play.
“That shot was unbelievable, man,” said Doncic.
Despite a strong effort from the Nuggets, the Mavericks ultimately secured the win, with Irving’s game-winner playing a pivotal role in their victory. As the Mavericks strive to avoid the play-in scenario, Irving’s clutch performance highlights his value to the team.
“He’s a magician,” said Mavs center Daniel Gafford. “He is a very crafty finisher, but finishing somewhere that far around the basket? I don’t know if he works on something like that, but I know he works on his left hand. It went in and then we just got crazy.”
