Everyone knows that the Dallas Mavericks boast two of the best players in the league: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

However, when a young rising superstar heaps praise on the duo, it speaks volumes about the level of respect the two hold in the minds of their compatriots. Tyrese Haliburton had nothing but good words to describe the Mavericks duo.

Tyrese Haliburton and his Indiana Pacers were to go against the duo and the Mavericks tonight. Prior to the game, Haliburton was asked about how they prepare for Doncic and Irving. Haliburton said;

Two of the best one-on-one players in the world. You gotta understand Luka averages like 35, Kyrie averages 30. It's about making it as tough as you can, cause they are two of the most elite basketball players in the world.

Haliburton admitted that it would be tough to guard either one of them due to their elite one-on-one skills. If one gets it going and they try to stop him, the other can take over the game.

The Mavericks had the goal of an NBA title when they traded for Irving last year. Whereas Haliburton and the Pacers took their goal to that level when they traded for Pascal Siakam. With similar goals in mind, Haliburton acknowledged that the Mavericks duo can be too much for any team to handle.

After all, as Haliburton said, Doncic is averaging a league-best 34.5 points per game, making him the most lethal scorer in the league currently. Kyrie Irving might be the second-best scorer on the team, with Doncic leading the way, but he can also consistently match that output if needed.

How did the meeting fare between Tyrese Haliburton and the Dallas Mavericks duo?

The two teams went up against each other today on similar records in their respective conferences. The Mavericks are in a tougher Western Conference with a host of elite teams. Not that the Eastern Conference is easier by a margin, but the Pacers can easily beat the teams lower down. Something the Mavericks will not find easy.

Keeping the respect part aside, the Pacers put out a complete team display to trample the elite duo and the Mavericks 137-120. Although Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 62 points, they did not get much help from their teammates. The Pacers, on the other hand, had double-digit contributions from 9 of their 10 players.

Even though the Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton showed respect to the duo, they showed the Mavericks what a total team performance can do. The Indiana Pacers put on the perfect display of teamwork vs. one-on-one iso basketball.