Mavs' Kyrie Irving Gets Emotional Discussing WCF Berth: 'Been a Long Time Coming'

Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks are headed to the Western Conference Finals.

The team clinched the berth following a 117-116 victory in Game 6 of the Maverick's semi-final series against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Following the game, Irving acknowledged the emotions of the accomplishment.

"I had to make an impromptu speech and I had to do my best not to let some tears come down from my eyes," Irving said following the game. "It feels like it has been a long time coming just being back in this position, getting back to the Conference Finals. It's been a long way back."

Irving had 22 points, three assists and two rebounds in the win. He personally returns to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2017-18 when he was with the Boston Celtics. He has not won in the round since 2016-17, when he won the NBA Championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He was acquired midseason by the Mavericks in 2022-23 but was unable to help the team reach the playoffs. After resigning with the franchise in the summer, things have been more successful.

Dallas went 50-32 and finished as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. The Mavericks handled Los Angeles in six games in the first round and advanced in similar fashion against the Thunder.

Now, Dallas awaits the winner of the Denver Nuggets-Minnesota Timberwolves series. Game 7 of that one will take place Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.