The NBA recently announced that Amen Thompson and his twin brother Ausar Thompson would serve as player correspondents during the NBA Finals. As they embraced this role wholeheartedly, Ausar Thompson received heartwarming advice from Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.

In a press conference, Irving urged Ausar to set personal goals and maintain a strong work ethic, even when the spotlight is elsewhere.

“Try not to get FOMO as best you can just because you’re so used to playing every single day, working out every single day towards a goal, and now that that goal isn’t necessarily there to win the championship, you have to set other goals, and that comes from a personal standpoint”, Irving said.

“Work Your Tail Off Right Now”

The veteran NBA star also advised Ausar Thompson to begin preparing for next season and “work their tail off” to get to their best before the start of the new season.

“You know, what do you want to accomplish bringing into next season, It starts now while no one is watching and while it’s just you by yourself, your brother, or you’re playing five-on-five. Take your time, but also work your tail off right now because I know I’m going to have to get ready for you guys next season,” the Mavericks’ star added.

Since joining the Mavericks, Irving has silenced many of his critics, including prominent sports analyst Stephen A. Smith, with his impressive play and improved demeanor.

Irving’s focus now is on helping the Mavericks secure their second championship. Although his performance in Game 1 of the Finals didn’t meet expectations, the Mavericks star remains determined to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that will once again silence his critics.

Irving Balances Respect for the Celtics with Confidence in the Mavericks

In the NBA final series, Kyrie Irving is set to play against his former team, the Boston Celtics. As a former team member, Irving knows the strength the Celtics team holds.

Hence, the Mavericks star openly admitted the Celtics’ legacy in the NBA. Nevertheless, Irving also boldly claimed that the Mavs are a good team, as they earned their way to the final.

“We’re going against a very historic team in the Boston Celtics, but we’re a great team too, and we earned our way to be here,” Irving said.

Irving’s journey with the Celtics began when he was traded to Boston in 2017. His tenure with the team lasted only two years, and it ended when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets as a free agent in the summer of 2019.

Irving and the Celtics are thriving, albeit on different paths. Irving has been a standout player for the Mavericks, leading them to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2011.