Still, Barkley pointed to a quiet performance by Dallas' star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as one reason why OKC escaped with the victory. Doncic and Irving combined for just 27 points on 32.3% shooting from the floor (18.2% from deep).

Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during game three of the second round

Professional courtesy is a guiding principle in this business. For instance, a loyal reader recently asked how we decide who writes what after games. Simple. Columnists get first dibs; beat writers take what’s left over.

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving made a bold prediction about Luka Doncic amid their heated series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite battling a sprained right knee and sore left ankle, Luka Doncic gave a gritty performance in Game 3, helping the Mavericks secure a 105-101 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although Doncic managed only 22 points on a subpar 7-of-17 shooting night,