Kyrie Irving Has Strong Return to Guide Mavericks’ Win Over Thunder: “I Needed to Be Better, and I Was”
Kyrie Irving finished with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in his return from a one-game injury absence, leading the Dallas Mavericks (23-19) to a 106-98 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder (34-7). The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Mavs as they try to stay afloat without Luka Dončić, who hasn’t played since Christmas Day due to a left calf strain.
Irving shook off the rust from his 11-point outing against the Denver Nuggets in a return from a five-game injury absence as he deals with a bulging disc. Against Denver, Irving shot just 4 of 18 (22.2%), with each of his three shots from deep not falling. He bounced back significantly against Oklahoma City, shooting 9 of 19 (47.4%) from the floor and 3 of 8 (37.5%) from the perimeter.
“He looked like he shook off the rust after that Denver game and found his rhythm and flow tonight,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said about Irving.
From Irving’s perspective, the most significant part of his performance was getting up and down the court without back pain. Irving has gone through lengthy workouts, including on Wednesday at Smoothie King Center, which has helped him have that “extra push” he relies on as a great player.
“My takeaway is just being able to get up and down the court without my back hurting or without having anything occur where I’m worried,” Irving said. “I had some good workouts over the last two days. It was really tough for me, even after the last game. That’s all the same. Just regulate my emotions. I was just coming back and playing against Denver, and I didn’t have that extra push in the reserve tank. I didn’t have that extra energy, and that bothered me after the game, and I left there, kind of wondering just how I could be better for my teammates, be a better leader, and also take some pressure off myself.
“We’re in a very peculiar time, a unique time in the season,” Irving added. “We’ve caught the injury bug very bad, and guys are going down left and right. So that adds to some of the stress levels, but it’s also healthy to, again, just admit that you’re going through it, talk to your support system, talk to your teammates, let them know you need help, and just focus on the game itself and playing the best you can.”
With Irving on the floor, the Mavericks had a dynamic talent that naturally commanded significant attention from the defense. Dallas improved to 8-4 in games. Irving plays without Dončic this season, but is just 2-6 when neither plays. Kidd praised how Irving leveraged that defensive attention when playing off-ball to open up his teammates and consistently made the right pass when attacking the paint.
“He accepted the challenge of being denied and still got his teammates involved,” Kidd explained about Irving’s impact. “When the ball touched the paint, he made plays, whether it was finding open shooters or creating for others. His flow was really good tonight.”
Coming off a dramatic 119-116 road loss against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday with a confirmed missed goaltending call in the final moments, the Mavericks put that disappointment behind them and bounced back with a victory.
“No, no chip. It’s an 82-game season, and there will be close games you win and lose. We learn from them all,” Kidd said. “Right now, we’re focused on development and putting the guys in positions to win. It’s about learning from both winning and losing, and this team has a lot of grit. Hopefully, we can get healthy at some point this season, but until then, it’s next man up.”
P.J. Washington provided support with 16 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 16, too, while dropping five dimes. Naji Marshall’s 14 points and 10 rebounds marked his first double-double of the season. Dallas shot an efficient 16 of 41 (39%) from beyond the arc and held a 20-point advantage in fast-break scoring while outscoring Oklahoma City 36-22 in the paint.
Irving sat out on the second night of a back-to-back in New Orleans in the Mavs’ 119-116 loss against the Pelicans as he continues to manage a bulging disc injury. His presence was integral as the Mavericks continued to compete without Dončić and Danté Exum (right wrist surgery). During the game, Dallas lost both Jaden Hardy (right ankle sprain) and Dwight Powell (right hip injury).
“Just keep fighting. Next man up. Stick with it, play hard, and keep fighting,” Marshall said regarding overcoming injuries. “We’ve got a good team, very deep, so it’s always the next man up.”
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back after defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 134-114, the Thunder did not have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (right wrist soreness), Isaiah Hartenstein (left soleus strain), and Chet Holmgren (right iliac wing fracture). Oklahoma City deployed a small ball lineup with Jaylin Williams at the center spot, contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Jalen Williams led the shorthanded Thunder with 19 points but shot 7 of 22 (31.8%) overall and 1 of 5 (20%) from beyond the arc, with six turnovers. Luguentz Dort added 18 points and five rebounds, while the whole starting group scored in double figures, including Aaron Wiggins’ 12 points and Cason Wallace’s 10 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander was a late scratch after going through a pre-game workout before being ruled out. It became a prime opportunity for the Mavericks to achieve a victory by taking care of business after losing eight of their last 10 games. Oklahoma was held to shooting just 38.5% overall despite making 20 shots from beyond the arc at a 43.5% clip. Dallas also scored a staggering 29 points off 15 Thunder turnovers.
With defensive execution helping to set the tone, the Mavericks improved to 9-0 when containing an opponent below 100 points. It marked a new season-low scoring total for the Thunder. Kidd appreciated the effort and energy from across the rotation while sticking to the game plan.
“The activity and execution of the game plan. We rebounded well, though we could’ve done better, and made sure the right guys were taking shots,” Kidd said. “Our energy and effort were high, which is what we needed after that New Orleans game. This team doesn’t dwell on losses. They move forward, and tonight, they put themselves in a position to win with great effort and focus.”
Kyrie Irving Helps Dallas Mavericks Set the Tone
The Mavericks were hot out of the gate, leading 10-0 entering a timeout at the 9:06 mark of the first quarter. Washington scored the first five points, with Irving adding another five. Irving clearly focused on setting the tone for the offense, pulling up from deep in transition before attacking the rim for a scoop layup. Irving began drawing blitzes from the Thunder defense, forcing the Mavericks to rely on patiently hitting the short roller to make decisions, but he picked his spots well.
The Thunder played out of Stack pick-and-roll to create advantages without Gilgeous-Alexander, leading to an open corner three for Cason Wallace after the Mavericks committed to sending an early low man. Wallace’s made three capped off a 9-0 run, entering a timeout with 6:11 left in the first quarter, with the Mavericks’ lead being cut to just 10-9. Dort was called for a technical foul as Dallas was getting into an offensive possession, leading to a free throw for Irving that he made.
Oklahoma City shifted to not doubling Irving instead of showing early help at the nail to deter him from attacking downhill. The Thunder tied it up 11-11 after Wallace made a jumper, but a near-and-one from Washington, derived from a post-up, put Dallas back on top. However, Dort put Oklahoma City ahead 14-13 after making the Mavericks pay for leaving him wide open from beyond the arc.
A short-range jumper for Quentin Grimes, created using a half-spin move put Dallas ahead again, with Dinwiddie’s pull-up three off a handoff from Maxi Kleber extending the advantage. Grimes had a quieter night than usual based on his recent production, but still finished with five points and three boards in 22 minutes.
After Dinwiddie’s three, Caruso answered with a three of his own. Each team traded runs throughout the night, with Oklahoma delivering a blow to end the opening period. A steal led to an emphatic poster dunk for Olivier-Maxence Prosper, one of his various scoring plays in his seven-point performance. Isaiah Joe later hit a contested three to tie it up but took a 26-20 lead when Brenden Carlson and Kenrich Williams each sank threes.
Dallas ended the Thunder’s 9-0 after Grimes drew two defenders on a drive, setting up Daniel Gafford for an open dunk after catching the drop-off pass. Oklahoma City was up 26-22 at the end of the period.
Dallas Mavericks Produce Dominant Second Quarter
Ousmane Dieng continued the Thunder’s momentum by sinking a corner three, pushing Oklahoma City up 29-22. Ultimately, the Mavericks owned the second quarter, outscoring the Thunder by a staggering 41-17 margin, setting up a 20-point advantage (63-43) entering the break.
Another injury occurred for the Mavericks. One minute into his performance, Jaden Hardy sprained his right ankle. He went to the locker room early in the second quarter before being ruled out for the rest of the game. This is the second time Hardy has sprained his ankle in the past few months, which has affected his ability to build consistent flow throughout the season.
“It’s tough. It’s almost déjà vu with him,” Kidd said of Hardy’s injury. “He was playing well, got hurt, came back, found his rhythm, and now he’s down again. Hopefully, it’s not serious, and he can get back quickly because he was playing at a high level.”
Hardy’s injury prompted Dallas to re-insert Irving into the game. He sparked a 9-2 run after finding Prosper for a three, and and then he and Grimes both sank threes, helping the Mavericks tie the game 31-31 with 9:01 remaining before halftime.
After Washington connected with Dwight Powell on an alley-top, Dieng briefly put Oklahoma City ahead 34-33. However, Irving tied it up using a technical free throw, and then Klay Thompson, who finished with six points, got on the board for the first with a step-back three. This became a chippy matchup, with Washington and Wiggins being called for a double technical after some pushing and spirited conversation took place.
“I think we’ve played each other a lot over the past few years, so it’s naturally going to be chippy Both teams are competitive,” Kidd said. “Oklahoma City is a really good team, well-coached, and they’re playing great basketball. It’s been this way since we faced them in the playoffs – chippy then, chippy now. Both teams are talented, and tonight was a great test for our group. Even with injuries, the next guy steps up and helps us win.”
Washington’s impact is strongly appreciated by the Mavericks coaching staff and his teammates. He helped set the tone against the Thunder, whether through his timely shotmaking, finding open teammates, or providing grit defensively. The toughness he continues to provide has given Dallas an edge.
“He competes on both ends and wants to win on both ends. That’s rare in this league,” Kidd said of Washington. “He takes the challenge every night, playing 40 minutes and guarding the best player on the floor without complaint. Offensively, he’s playmaking and knocking down shots when needed. We need his toughness, and he showed it again tonight.”
Once again, the Thunder answered with a three—this time by Dort—tying it up 37-37. After that point, Dallas began to create separation after Irving broke down Wiggins in isolation, getting to a short-range pull-up and drawing a foul along the way, leading to a successful and-one. Irving scored in mid-range again using a pull-up, and then Marshall finished at the rim in transition on a reverse layup. Dallas led 44-39, entering a timeout with 4:20 left before halftime.
The Mavericks led 57-41 after Dinwiddie and Washington each sank pull-up threes, followed by a transition push generating a clean corner three for Marshall. This stretch was capped off by Gafford drawing a foul in the post before splitting a pair of free throws, then Washington using a Veer step on a drive to set up a layup.
Wiggins ended the Thunder’s scoring drought with a baseline jumper, but Irving used his handle to get to the rim for a scoop layup. He got by Wallace after the Thunder guard tried jumping the passing lane, then used an in-and-out dribble to probe the lane before launching to the rim.
Oklahoma City Thunder Fire Back with Explosive Third Quarter
Coming out of the locker room after halftime, the Thunder pulled off a major response, outscoring the Mavericks 33-14 in the third quarter. Oklahoma City opened the second half with a 17-2 run, beginning with five makes from beyond the arc, then a dunk from Williams.
The Mavericks quickly subbed out Gafford, who totaled eight points, six rebounds, and two blocks in 20 minutes after he committed two offensive fouls in a short span. Kleber, who finished with seven points and four assists, was inserted into the lineup, anchoring a small ball lineup.
“They’re a little different without Shai, obviously. He’s their leader, but they still compete at a high level and trust each other,” Irving said of the Thunder. “I’m grateful we brought it to them early. And when the pushing and shoving happens, that’s just competitive NBA basketball. We’ve got to protect ourselves. If someone comes into the circle and starts pushing, everyone’s going to protect themselves. It’s healthy.”
Irving ended the Mavericks’ scoring drought by attacking the paint for a finish. Washington was called for a flagrant one after trying to block Williams at the rim after Powell slipped on a closeout. While the two teams once again got into it, Powell had to be helped off the floor before heading to the locker room. After playing five minutes and scoring two points, he ruled out with a right hip injury.
Williams made both free throws, then Joe converted from mid-range followed by Dort hitting a three. OKC tied it up 69-69 late in the period after Joe got the rim for a layup as Oklahoma City’s five-out offense caused breakdowns by the Mavericks’ defense. Irving broke the tie by attacking Caruso in isolation out of the corner, ending the sequence with a side-step three out of triple threat.
Williams hit a step-back three to tie it, then pulled Oklahoma City ahead after patiently making a turnaround jumper. He didn’t stop. With the Thunder staying active off the ball around him, Williams got to short-range before using a fake, setting up a two-hand finish after a step-through.
Dinwiddie pulled off an and-one with a floater to push Dallas up 77-76 as the final scoring play of the third quarter. It was one of his various timely contributions that helped the Mavericks close this game out.
Dallas Mavericks Close it Out
Gafford opened the fourth quarter with a finish at the rim, beginning what turned to a 6-0 run. Dinwiddie drew a foul on a drive before splitting free throws, contributing a point in this stretch. However, Marshall was ready in the corner and sank a three, forcing Oklahoma City to call a timeout with 10:37 left in the final frame.
After a bad miss from three landed in Wiggins’ hands for an easy putback, the Thunder began building a 7-0 run, tying it up 83-83. This stretch ended after Caruso was left open from three and made the defense pay. Irving and Washington returned to the game with the Mavericks up with roughly nine minutes left to play. Williams shot over Irving in short-range and used the glass.
Thompson put the Mavericks back in front 86-83 after he was left unguarded in the corner before sinking the shot. However, once again, Williams answered. This time, he used a mid-range step-back jumper, making it a one-point game.
Kleber managed an and-one finish by using his size advantage, giving Dallas an 89-85 edge after making the free throw. Both teams continued to trade shots. Dort drilled a three, but Marshall responded the next possession with one of his own. The Thunder later turned to Dort for another three, and then Marshall attacked the rack for an and-one after finishing through the smaller Joe.
Marshall stayed determined to create advantages for the Mavericks, attacking the paint before spraying it out to the wing. With Irving commanding significant defensive attention, Marshall took advantage to attack vulnerabilities in the Thunder’s defense in timely moments.
“They were kind of hugging up on Kyrie, so it opened up the floor,” Marshall said. “I just felt like I had good opportunities, and I took them.”
The Mavericks contained Williams on a step-back three, then Irving patiently waited to draw early nail help before finding Dinwiddie open for three. Dallas grew its lead to seven, but a short-range pull-up from Williams brought it back to a five-point game. After Washington found Dinwiddie for another catch-and-shoot three, the Mavericks were up by eight, putting the game away for good.
“If I gave an underdog award, it would go to Spencer in the fourth quarter,” Irving said. “He was situationally aware and gave us what we needed. P.J.’s defense stood out, picking up full court. Naji grabbed big rebounds down the stretch when they were making a push. Jalen Williams was aggressive trying to keep them in the game, and it was our job to be there for one another. Those three helped us down the stretch with hustle and selfless play. That’s what we need.”
Williams drew a foul on Kleber to get to the free throw line before making two, but Kleber washed it away by finding Washington for an alley-oop. The Mavericks led 103-95 with 28.0 seconds to play, sealing a much-needed victory.
Kyrie Irving Details Ongoing Injury Management
Kyrie Irving’s performance was his best since dealing with a bulging disc injury. Coming off the court after losing against the Nuggets, he initially said he would “most likely” play against the Pelicans. However, he clarified all that goes into determining if he can play when collaborating with the medical staff.
“It was a combination of all those things, man. […] So, yeah. I was speaking from an emotional place,” Irving said. “I’m sorry if anyone at home was confused by that. But in the NBA, we have a protocol. There is a certain step-by-step process that goes on, and it’s important that they have my best interests at heart and kind of scale me back, and that’s what happened. So it was a bit of an overruling, but at the same time, it was them having my best interests, and that’s the perspective I saw it from. So they were just telling me, ‘Hey, like, take this day off, use these next two days. Go in the weight room, do what you have to do, and get prepared for OKC.’ That’s what we’re going to need you for.’ I listened to them.”
Despite being ruled out in New Orleans, Irving was confident his teammates would win. The Mavericks nearly pulled it off before the controversial missed goaltending call became a game-defining moment in their loss.
“We really had that game too, outside of that goaltend,” Irving said. “We can call it a goaltend, right? I’m not going to get fined or anything like that. But yeah, it was a goaltend, and we had that game in our hands and it just didn’t work out well for us.”
As Irving navigates his current injury, he stressed the importance of listening to and trusting the training staff. The primary goal is maximizing his health and durability so he won’t have to undergo surgery.
“I got to trust our training staff and just continue to trend in the right direction. So I don’t have a lapse in a way where I’m out, and I have to get surgery, man,” Irving said. “Like that’s, that’s the other side of this is like if I keep playing and something else happens and I don’t know if surgery is on the other side of it, but it’s a possibility, and I’m not trying to even worry about that man or even think about that or manifest that.”
After Irving’s performance, he described feeling significantly better than he did after his first performance with the bulging disc injury. Currently, he’s in the process of regaining his cardiovascular form but has stayed positive and diligent.
“I feel a lot better. I feel a lot better, man,” Irving said. “I was fully at peace with my game tonight, and just cardiovascular-wise, you don’t get a chance to work out as hard as you would like and have to rest, and you come back in. It just, it takes a little while to get the tread going a little bit. And again, it’s a new experience for me with this injury or things going on like that. So taking my time and just remaining patient… I said that the other night, but I’m not too worried, but I know the maintenance that takes to make sure that I’m good. I have to continue that.”
Looking Ahead
The Mavericks return to action on Monday when they face the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center, beginning the NBA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day slate. Tipoff is set at 11 a.m. CST. Going forward, the Mavs seek to build on the execution and energy they displayed in the fourth quarter.
“Our energy,” Marshall emphasized. “How we played in the fourth quarter—that’s easy to say, but if we can play the whole game like that, we’ll go from a good team to a great team. Just continue to build and keep doing our thing.”
