NBA Wednesday on ABC: Mavs, Lakers square off in L.A.
The upcoming Mavs-Lakers matchup is set to be the third of five consecutive NBA Wednesdays on ABC primetime during January, promising an exciting showdown between two powerhouse teams. The game, scheduled for Wednesday at 8:30 ET, is generating significant buzz, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Luka Doncic’s availability as he faces a questionable status for the game.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are the focal points of this anticipated clash. All three players share a unique connection, having each achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 40-plus points in the same game with teammate Kyrie Irving.
Irving’s connections with James, Doncic, and Hardaway are emblematic of his ability to elevate his teammates’ performances, creating memorable moments on the court. Notably, Irving and James made history during the 2016 NBA Finals, becoming the first teammates to score 40+ points each in a Finals game, a feat that ultimately contributed to the Cavaliers’ historic 3-1 comeback.
Such extraordinary displays of scoring prowess are exceedingly rare in the NBA, with only 26 instances of teammates achieving 40-plus points in the same game throughout the league’s history. Notably, Irving stands out as the only player to be part of three separate duos accomplishing this remarkable feat, further solidifying his impact on the court.
Irving’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, particularly in the absence of Doncic. Over the past three games, Irving has exhibited an impressive scoring tear, averaging 39.7 points per game with remarkable shooting efficiency. His exceptional form and prolific scoring have undoubtedly elevated the Mavericks’ performances, showcasing his ability to lead the team to victory even in the absence of key players.
As the highly-anticipated matchup approaches, all eyes will be on Irving as he aims to maintain his exceptional form and lead the Mavericks to another thrilling victory. Whether or not Doncic is available for the game, Irving’s remarkable contributions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this intense showdown against the Lakers.
