The NBA Has a "Luka and Kyrie" Problem...

When Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving first teamed up the critics were loud, but right now we're seeing just how dominant of an offensive duo they are.
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[@Ace0_-]

Imagine doubling Luka and forgetting you left KYRIE open. This team is a matchup nightmare for any team

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@manumalia]

Sure but let’s see if they can make stops come playoff time.

[@jdcaves9373]

@@manumaliayou have seen it he plays like Lebron and with him Kyrie won a championship with that type of play. This is a championship team.

[@jessicarukuata-joynson938]

​​@@jdcaves9373he gets similar stats than LeBron but is more of an ISO player. Isn't as good off ball attacking because even now at 39 LeBron is way more athletic than him. Plus his defence is probably as good if not worse than lebrons is now. In his second stint in Cleveland his defence was soooo much better like not even comparable. His post defence was top tier because of his strength. Luka defence is similar to lamelo balls in terms of his steals coming from passing lanes. He's barely an on ball defender and when he is he's below average. His slow pace is ok on offence but defence he's a liability.

[@forcodingg1287]

​@@jessicarukuata-joynson938 I mean, Defense can be fix with right team. PJ and Gafford is good additions for that. Luka also is more threat than lebron in off ball, Because defender is worried about luka shooting. Defender is not that worried about lebron shooting especially in Deep range. Even know lebron is better in off ball atk to the rim. 3pt threat is always better than cutting, in this current era

[@AdonisBlackk]

the fact that most of these layup clips of Kyrie he gets fouled and never gets the call is wild, averaging 20+ with barely any fts is wild but he's a career automatic bucket from the line

[@Kevinschart]

he's not getting fouled. He's falling down by choice.

[@hua..]

@@user-dz6jg3tn4w that won't accomplish anything

[@deezpleez3832]

Crazy thing is that guys like Embiid/Giannis get fouls for getting hit WAY LESS

[@mikael557]

They have to save the calls for Lebron 😂

[@pervisjohnson3253]

@@KevinschartYiur just saying off what you think yes he falls so he dosent land but there’s also so much body. Contact that he dosent get calls on that almost everyone gets it seems and he dosent foul bait

[@loganbradley1184]

As a huge Kyrie fan it's nice to finally see him on a team where he is obviously having fun. There was a long period of time where it was hard to watch him just because it looked like he didn't want to be there.

[@bapexcarti3]

Nets?

[@DeuceAlchemist]

​@@bapexcarti3nah.....that whole situation was too superficial

[@n317]

@@DeuceAlchemist Boston?

[@DeuceAlchemist]

@@n317 Brooklyn

[@faervas1234]

It was a blue state and he could not say or do anything without the cancel pigs going after him. down here in Dallas you don't here about the latest wrong think sandal. I remember when we got Kyrie my cousin said the was a headcase. I just thought the woke mob and the press they were looking for controversy. On thing did Like he clicked "like" on a social media post.

[@artemisfowl2182]

And if that's not already bad enough... They play good defense together

[@ikry-7911]

yeah, venue should also make a vid about the mavs defense

[@sheikhqh716]

A hell if choice a true dilemma 😅😅😅

[@micshaz]

it's ironic because in 2k22 (the LUKA on the cover version) porzingas took care of defense but IRL it didn't work like this at all - Kyrie Luka is a much better duo

[@sc000f]

⁠@@micshazi used to get so mad when they'd rely on only luka+porzingas cuz the other starters + bench was so underrated. i mean shit we had JALEN BRUNSON😭

[@Raiders1223]

Luka and kyrie play defense???

[@corey2232]

One of the biggest differences is Luka's improved defense. This is the first time the Mavs defensive rating goes up when Luka's on the floor, and top 3 when both Luka & Kyrie are out there together.

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@peacemaker4829]

That's so impressive. Absolutely nobody expected that. I'm really excited to see them in the playoffs this year

[@blackclover4375]

Wait actually? I remember last year they're like a sieve lol

[@armanilibertini2832]

@@peacemaker4829I honestly did he definitely has the size and the competitive nature where he doesn’t want to be beat on either side of the floor

[@peacemaker4829]

@@armanilibertini2832 It's hard to be really good defensively when you aren't very athletic and especially for a guard. Luckily for Luka he is very shifty. We've seen that on offense his whole career, but he's finally figuring out how to be shifty on defense.

[@41NewVAWE]

People thinkin Luka and Kyrie cant work never realized Kyrie playd with Bron ig. tbh it was obv they will work rlly well as soon as Luka grew up a little and Kyrie adjusted to his new Team which we see happening idk Luka keeps growing and growing as a player and leader

[@HoopVenue]

I was a truther from day 1!

[@waff6ix]

FACTS💯I FEEL LIKE LUKA + KYRIE IS A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

[@thepabs911]

@@HoopVenue Same here. Been a Mav fan since 1998, but never doubted Luka/Kai would get it figured out.

[@bigred9991]

It wasn't that Luka needed to grow up, they just needed time to get some chemistry. It's hard to adjust mid-season when you have 2 players that need the ball to be effective.

[@CitsVariants]

English

[@DJCinthaBoy]

“They can’t play together!!!”- Some ESPN “analyst”

[@TheDogWhispererECS]

Cough cough Steven A

[@sway_onthetrail]

I mean, they're a play in team that is dangerously close to being the 10th seed. I'm not sure why you all are acting as if they're dominating the league or something

[@mario16209]

It’s just that they finally worked it out

[@HannibalLeonard]

@@sway_onthetrailbruh hahahah

[@breathofawareness7903]

Both Luka and Kyrie have a super high basketball I.Q. plus skills to match... That is why they work well together. There is also a healthy dose of respect between them. Really good synergy on the floor. The Mavs are my favorite team right now.

[@SWANK-SAN]

They’re definitely a top 3-5 duo this szn. Kyrie damn near averaging 30 while never getting fouls called & Luka is just unstoppable.

[@militantprophecychannel6966]

They're not just lethal scorers, they can create for others and will most likely always make the smart basketball play. Also, good luck having defenders on your team that can stay in front of them.

[@aceloco817]

Hope the defense in the paint gets better as the new additions gets more accustomed to playing together. Doing pretty good so far!!

[@henrygilchrist3793]

Great Analysis

[@HoopVenue]

Appreciate it!

[@patrickstar8005]

Dude I wished more people would talk about how fun Luka and Kyrie are to watch man. Even outside of winning this is some of the most entertainment I’ve seen in a duo in a while.

[@HoopVenue]

Facts!

[@cloudunderweather9554]

Rather than say kyrie is a good fit for luka ball, i'd say he's playing in a way so that he fits. its definitely an adjustment that took the summer to get a feel for, cause Kyrie played different before this. He's trying to provide everything he can that the team lacked while not getting in the way of lukas questionable ball dominant style. And this is why i cross my fingers for the Mavericks. Please stay healthy you two and surprise everyone in the playoffs.

[@sirsaltines4667]

Questionable ball dominant style? He’s gotten this team to the western conference finals with a shit roster

[@cloudunderweather9554]

@sirsaltines4667 ya sounds good right? Then you hear stories about how players hate playing this luka style of basketball. I'm not questioning whether it's good or bad, just whether he should stick to it for the sake of the team. It seems he's making gradual adjustments lately though, and the chemistry is improving as a result. I hope they go far because they are a fun team to watch, and they are by no means favorites to win

[@sirsaltines4667]

@@cloudunderweather9554 I mean you can find players complaining about anything so I don't really care what salty players say

[@cloudunderweather9554]

@@sirsaltines4667 you got a point...

[@danieltaom]

Been craving an analysis of this duo! Really good one. Thanks!

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@onehand-yusuf7212]

Even AI said Kyrie got the best handles ever🔥

[@BLUEGATORBOYZ]

White chocolate said kyries the best too while shaq hating ass said it's white chocolate

[@chrisjackson5931]

AI said he would've loved to play with Luka. That coming from one of the best to ever play the game, tells you a lot about Luka.

[@hua..]

@@chrisjackson5931 Luka is a much better player than AI, so no wonder

[@MuckNoya]

@@BLUEGATORBOYZlmao Shaq a hater lowkey

[@jdrmanmusiqking]

Steph and Kyrie are 1a and 1prime. No idea how curry gets left out of these convos. I love A.I. but hes solidly #3. Steph's not as fancy but hes even more precise For the last 10 years Ive compared them to Gin and Mugen from Samurai Champloo (Rest in Power Nujabes ✊) *SPOILERS for an amazing show check it out * Gin is a cool calm collected Samurai and Mugen is a wild man with a one handed sword who does friggen caopiera in sword fights. Both crossed swords for the first time and each were surprised when they stalemated. They both murked 100% of their opps before this moment Gin is like Steph and Mugen is like Kyrie. Completely different styles but both are leagues above anyone else

[@kontrast4361]

I gotta say this is the best way to breakdown the greatness off players, slowing it down isn't new obviously most NBA analysis programs do it but they just show 5 seconds and then on to a completely irrelevant topic not allowing you to fully appreciate the subtle movements, court awareness etc. And after watching this and really appreciating Luka's game...wow what a once in a lifetime athlete he is.....just wow 🙃

[@AVandug]

This analysis is extremely well put. Very good explanation aswell. I don't know much about basketball or the tactics of it, but watching this was very easy for me to understand everything you mentioned.

[@thehoovynator5642]

This is a great breakdown keep it up first video I’ve watched and it was so good

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sean1e100]

This was such a good edit! Really enjoyed / learned a lot. Thks for the effort. Subbed

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you!

[@philipparkhipov9808]

Amazing breakdown of the offence. Clear explanation, simple points that come across easily. Really well done 👏🏼👏🏼

[@liammurtagh8122]

Kyrie and Luka both have ELITE playmaking and scoring abilities. Kyrie is a bit more like a 2 guard naturally and I think this fit is actually way better than any of us could’ve predicted. I mean LBJ was always the PG in Cleveland.. the fact that they can stagger 2 All NBA talents at the 1 for the entirety of the game and when they’re both on the court at the same time neither can be guarded 1 on 1… it’s a matchup nightmare for any team.

[@marceloasensiofilho3833]

When Luka and Kyrie are both in the game they are a nightmare to face. Those 2 are insanely skilled offensive players

[@danielasay810]

Great analysis! Really enjoyed it. Adding PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford helps address some of their defensive issues with size and athleticism. The Mavs ceiling is higher than it's been in a long time

[@Shid_pants]

Extremely detailed analysis, well done!

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you!

[@verlandousmitchell2308]

U gained a sub, bro. I love the analysis

[@MannyBernabe]

good stuff. duo is fun to watch!

[@HoopVenue]

When they’re clicking it’s just beautiful basketball!

[@GoodnotGreat88]

2 of my favorite players on the same team has been awesome. looking forward to a deep run this year

[@HoopVenue]

Western playoffs will be special.

[@sanjarmukhammedov95]

Luka and Kyrie are so good at driving,screens,3s,play making and finishing. and they both draw lots of players for their teammates to open up and make easy buckets.

[@Dalocklear73]

Love this content bro, been subscribed for awhile but I just recently started watching all the videos and they’re great

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you so much!

[@Emperor_of_Sands]

I hope this team can stay healthy. I hate what injuries have done to Kyries career. Would love to see both these players get rings

[@sway_onthetrail]

Will never happen, hate to be the one to break that to you friend.

[@durtyjones]

@@sway_onthetrail Kyrie already has a ring so it has happened for him

[@GeorgeMotenIII-dk8gk]

A true baller can play with anyone anywhere

[@user-rt1nl3ms2p]

Great video bro

[@DizzyWizzle]

This breakdown as amazing. I don't watch the NBA as much as I used to, but this analysis was fire!

[@DirtyDan-]

Awesome video man🔥 I look forward to seeing how the can finish the season. Imagine Dlive getting a ring in his first year 👀

[@HoopVenue]

Loved Lively’s game from day 1, he’s exactly what you want next to Luka.

[@DirtyDan-]

@@HoopVenue right away I realized how smart they played the draft. Getting fined for missing the play offs just so they could get a pick swap.

[@carloslora583]

People forget the coach is also one of the best PG ever, that coaching staff is tough.

[@ritikgautam5497]

this makes so much sense kudos

[@mstevenchapman]

The past year I have been watching only Footy and haven't had a taste for Basketball. This video makes me want to enjoy the game again. You'll be at a million Subs within 2 years I think. Great content!

[@fitforfreelance]

Awesome video! These two are a SERIOUS problem any way you slice it 😮

[@chrisjackson5931]

AI said he would've loved to play with Luka. That coming from one of the best to ever play the game, tells you a lot about Luka. The Mavericks are for real after adding PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford. They are deep and can play with anyone now.

[@narrow3601]

How the hell did they get the front office's of both Charlotte and Washington to agree to that highway robbery man? Like swapping Grant Williams for PJ Washington, how the hell'd they even bring that up in call??!

[@noomade]

The amount carrying and travelling that these guys get away with is wild. It is no wonder everyone looks so skilful. I mean damn!

[@peterlo395]

This is great content you might be the next Thinking Basketball

[@HoopVenue]

Thank you!

[@kashsres1064]

This is the best example of “pick your poison” for the defense.

[@crossface7770]

Kyries left handed hook shot game winner this year was epic

[@jarrettwashingtonjw]

EXCELLENT!!!

[@kylecallis77]

2 guys most skilled at perspective positions

[@sheikhqh716]

Great commentary, I am amused

[@HoopVenue]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@yb3604]

This duo does look spooky I hope they'll be healthy in the playoffs so we can see some interesting plays

[@mc3newsmcocconcierge504]

Loving this team so much. Always fun watching a team that’s nearly impossible to defend.

[@comradesvt79]

The brilliance of the game is in the details

[@ytblackstar213]

Nahhhh that pass at 2:39, i didnt even realize wtf happen i had to rewind

[@HoopVenue]

Facts! Lmao

[@ikry-7911]

you should also make a vid about the mavs defense, it has been outstanding lately

[@HoopVenue]

Especially with PJ 👀

[@Theak47forall]

I think their defense is the biggest game changer, also they have 2 big men that are really good in Lively and Gaffer.

[@dmora2386]

Damn, I guess I should get back to watching basketball. These younglings remind me of hoop days of old.

[@jimmygreer2140]

Luka is a cheat code. And having Kai on the floor with him only makes him even more lethal. Gonna get a wide open look at a 3 or if the help is attacking the closeout super hard Kai can cross him up and get an easy look at a layup.

[@artLopez24]

Where the people who said they can’t mesh at…

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving UNSTOPPABLE OFFENSE but biggest problem is their DEFENSE 💪🔥💪

[@thatoneguywhoseverywhere6978]

Basically luka and kyrie are flexible in offense and dangerous that it just makes the defense collapse hard on either of them. With either of them can facilitate the offense makes it worry some, hopefully mavs keeps the ball rolling because their offense looks fun to watch.

[@alanadrienne8870]

For the first time in hus career Luka has a running mate and they can both be on the bench with decent ball handling and shooting still on the floor. Also first time he has had so many defenders and a center for 48 minutes. Exum, Kleber, Holiday, lively/Gafford and jones can actually keep a lwad while playing defense. You can rest Luka, Green, Kyrie, PJ and Gafford/Lively at the same time for a fourth quarter run

[@youtubewatcher6322]

Beautiful, where do you rank them in terms of a duo

[@HoopVenue]

Honestly not sure! Something I’d have to maybe look into in the future.

[@josiahtaylor4940]

2 elite space makers and playmakers of course it’s gonna be trouble their court sense is impeccable

[@JacePT_]

great analysis dude you really know ur stuff. "it leads to an easy 2" at 2:37 made me laugh tho gonna just act like that isnt one of the best passes the NBA has ever seen. what a dime from Luka tho seriously

[@Simple_Man_Golf]

I’ve said this since the Mavs picked up Kyrie: The Kyrie/Luka duo wasn’t gonna be an overnight hit. But now they’ve figured it out. Scary stuff!!

[@MarvinxJavier]

This is so smart, plays are well thought.

[@hosenOne1]

when you watch luka on slow mo, you can see the difference in how much slower he moves vs all other players and its all out there.. its not like hes gonna have a burst of speed or anything.. hes telling ppl.. look im gonna go straight and shoot... and the opponent knows it but they're caught in hypnosis cuz they cant guard it lol the only way to stop him is blitz from the perimeter and having kyrie negates that which is amazing entertainment

[@skugga7]

Kyrie's run in Cleveland with Lebron gave him a great ability to switch roles whenever necessary. Whatever you ask of him, he is going to over-deliver.

[@petarprentovic4382]

nice breakdown

[@HoopVenue]

Thanks!

[@bluesyace9564]

People forgot that LeBron said Luka is the closest to him play style wise, and LeBron and Kyrie got them a ring

[@Treyball67]

Luka and Kyrie have a “Jason Kidd” problem

[@KimmyR3]

kyrie alley-oop is wild lmao

[@woke49]

I was just waiting the part of the video when he speaks about defense

[@Plumbumismyname]

The playoffs thiis year is gonna be LIT

[@raulramirez8515]

7 games and y’all lose your mind?? Bruh

[@ThatboiWaterz]

Luka and Kyrie had become very close friends like family so they're just dominating and having fun which is going to be a nightmare for playoff defenses.

[@MrCosmicVictory]

luka might be the best fit of a teammate kyrie ever had. not taking anything away from bron, kd, or harden

[@kashsres1064]

I will take this duo before splash brothers any day.🤷🏻‍♂️💪🏼🥶

[@beatsbybrandon902]

Imagine being so good that your defender is glued to you from half court without the ball

[@xFlow777]

This duo is deadly even more so than kyrie and lebron, LeBron can't shoot like Luka

[@bigred9991]

Exactly. Luka is a deadly 3pt shooter. When he gets hot from deep you're really at his disposal for the rest of the night. He can score as much as he wants unless they start denying the ball and covering him with 2 at all times.

[@MuckNoya]

Lmaooo you talking crazy. Bron smarter, faster, more willing passer, and better off ball.

[@xFlow777]

@@MuckNoya but he can't shoot to save his life loool

[@dewanewelch1744]

​@@MuckNoyamore willing passer? When and how? Lol

[@benson238]

@@MuckNoya efficiency gotta give to luca. Better Scorer

[@nikki-op4xj]

i admit when kyrie got traded year ago i was scared he and luka may not work on personal level (lets be honest they both have a bit reputation ) on paper that was a scary duo but lots duos are just that scary on paper im happy things going well in Dallas

[@pharma2546]

This only works bc Kyrie adapted to Luka, not the other way around. It takes a whole other skill level to do so. Luka don’t spot up for catch and shoot 3s and has yet to shoot a corner 3

[@pewpew9193]

​@@pharma2546 That's simply not true. They closed the Suns out with Luka hitting a spot up 3 off a Kyrie pass.

[@reececisneros1622]

@@pewpew9193people stay hating on Luka. They love saying he doesn’t do stuff that he literally does in the previous game all the time. My favorite is that Luka isn’t good on defense.

[@randomuruk7230]

You couldn't be more wrong if you tried ​@@pharma2546

[@TooFranke]

Best backcourt in the history of the NBA and no one knows it but me

[@tonkoprcic3428]

It looked like they were out of sync at first.But the way they have been playing lately, it will be a problem for every team.

[@sonnyst-fleur9459]

its crazy how you'll see more PNR with Luka and Kyrie than you'll see with Giannis and Dame

[@Kentarius]

How far do y’all think the mavs will go?

[@HoopVenue]

Honestly not sure, I think they if they grab #5 any of those top 4 teams should be worried about avoiding the matchup. (Except Denver, I think they beat Dallas)

[@kkkjkk641]

All the way!

[@reececisneros1622]

I think they can replicate that WCF final appearance a couple seasons ago. Which is good considering the starting 5 is all on multi year deals. (2 years minimum)

[@chrisjackson5931]

All the way. They have all the pieces now and are deep

[@buzzerbeater3350]

@9:46 Back in the day that was a traveling violation. This is why Luka is so hard to stop. He has found a way to manipulate the rules to his advantage and it makes it extremely difficult for anyone to guard him. Harden did the same thing drawing flopping calls.

[@6raeden]

I think another thing that’s underrated is Tim Hardaway jr who’s literally a bucket who plays both ends of the ball and can easily play 3 different positions

[@ohHefner]

Can we get a Jokic video?? He’s on a crazy streak rn

[@HoopVenue]

Got something in the works for today!

[@jbcfamily4802]

Its true they are the highest IQ offense in the NBA, but then downsides are huge. Defense from both Kyrie and Luka are below average. And any injury to them for even 1 game means they lose the series.

[@ChairmanMeow1]

They're both really intelligent people (if you dont count the flat earth stuff), and they straight outsmart opponents on the court a lot of times.

[@dylansliefert6297]

They said the same thing about harden and Chris Paul 😎 didn’t work out in the end but it was there

[@HoopVenue]

Those 2 were a serious problem! There just happened to be a bigger problem in Oracle Arena...

[@user-qm6lx5vu5k]

What is per75, sorry if its a dumb question but I never heard per 75

[@HoopVenue]

"per 75 Possessions" to even the playing field for guys who played on faster or slower paced teams, or play more or less minutes. Stars typically land somewhere from 67-82 possessions played per game, so 75 is a nice even playing field!

[@peacemaker4829]

Luka and Kyrie are both top 5 hardest players to guard right now. Bringing help is a must against these guys, and more so Luka than Kyrie and that's really saying something. No wonder why they are picking defenses apart

[@Otsutsuki_King0]

I think of Tim Hardaway JR is on it and efficient the Mavs win the championship. I think he’s the key they’re gonna need big games from him. He just had a terrrible game and if he’s not playing well it will be hard for Dallas to win. They need him to just score it’s that simple

[@HoopVenue]

Definitely the type of guy that can swing a series with hot or cold shooting.

[@tylerowens5335]

As someone with little to no basketball iq this was super entertaining to watch. Great analysis!

[@christophermelo2495]

The only way I don’t see the mavs not making a deep run is either injury or matching up with the clippers as they have great on ball defenders, but as I’m writing this I see it’s Luka vs Clippers and he they kryptonite 😂

[@callidawkins85]

Thats good basketball

[@SWANK-SAN]

I can honestly see them finishing this szn healthy. I just need Kidd to figure out the best rotations going forward. This team is built to upset the main contenders.

[@Trizzer89]

46.7% on catch and shoot 3s is beyond nuts. That is game changing. Just about the best play in the NBA. Probably IS the best play in the NBA when you consider how easy it is to set up

[@elvis.r.manuel2560]

feel like alex caruso could ve a good fit for the team or a person who is good at cutting and defending + 3s

[@HoopVenue]

Love Caruso’s game!

[@MrKurtykurt]

I don’t get much right but sometimes media bias and narratives create mass groupthink where, after the Dame trade, I’m looking at KZbin polls from a bunch of different channels asking “who’s the best duo” and not even putting Luka Kyrie IN THE POLL…I mean, they barely even played on the floor together last season. To me, they were being set up as the obvious “sleeper” pick this season and I love to see it

[@ALittleMessi]

It works so well because neither of them seem to be greedy. They both know how they function in the offense and you aren't getting a Harden/Westbrook ball hog

[@exxonroy852]

This age well... Mavs now at conference finals beating no1 seed