Kyrie Irving Embraces Challenge Against Thunder as Mavericks Rule Out 7 Players: 'All-Out Blitz, All-Out Warfare'

Kyrie Irving leads a battered Mavericks squad against the Thunder, embracing leadership and challenges despite multiple team injuries.

Photo: Nick White/DallasHoopsJournal.com

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Dallas Mavericks will attempt to bounce back from a 115-114 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves when facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. With it being the second night of a back-to-back, Kyrie Irving’s status as he manages a bulging disc injury was something to monitor.

After scoring 36 points and dishing out nine assists against the Timberwolves, Irving was careful about his answer when asked if he’d play in Oklahoma City, telling reports his status is “TBD.” The caution was taken because Irving recently expressed he’d “most likely” play against the New Orleans Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back but ended up not playing. However, he noted that his back was “feeling great,” he continues to follow his daily protocol to sustain that as he plays through it.

“It's going well, man. My back feels great,” Irving said after Wednesday’s game. “God willing, just that stays consistent, and I'm just going to continue to do the little things I've been doing, man, in the weight room to maintain my health and just make sure I'm giving myself a great chance to sustain the health instead of just, you know, throwing myself out there like a renegade, man.”