Mavericks' Kyrie Irving 'Grateful' to Be Selected as All-Star Injury Replacement for Anthony Davis
Kyrie Irving earns his ninth NBA All-Star nod, stepping in for Anthony Davis. Celebrated by the Mavericks, Irving reflects on the honor.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving has been named to his ninth NBA All-Star Game, stepping in as an injury replacement for teammate Anthony Davis. This year's All-Star festivities are set in San Francisco and feature a packed weekend schedule, including a new mini-tournament format for the main event, where Irving will be part of the thrilling lineup.
"It's unfortunate that AD went down, but there's also a blessing," Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged. "We have one of our own replacing AD, and so I think with that, we wish AD didn't go down, but we always believe that Kai's an All-Star, one of the best players in the world."
Irving has continued to play at an elite level this season, averaging 24.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. The Mavericks celebrated Irving's All-Star nod with a special video tribute on the jumbotron, an honor he sincerely appreciated.
"I'm grateful we could celebrate that moment," Irving said. "We've been grinding it out all season trying to figure out how we could get the best out of each other and just continue to support each other. I felt that not only from my teammates but my coaches and the fans. I don't take that reward or that accomplishment for granted. This is the best league in the world.”
Kidd expressed his pride in Irving's achievement: "I think it's great for what he's done for us up to this point this season. He's been wonderful," Kidd remarked. "I think his ninth All-Star, it's awesome. I'm so proud that he has the opportunity to represent the Mavs but also represent himself."
This year, the All-Star Game introduces a mini-tournament in which teams play for 40 points without a traditional game clock. Irving will play for Shaq’s OGs, including former star teammates like LeBron James and Kevin Durant, whom he played with in the NBA, and former Team USA teammate Stephen Curry.
The event starts with the Rising Stars competition on Friday night, followed by the All-Star practice and other festivities on Saturday. It culminates in the All-Star Game on Sunday evening, broadcast across TNT, truTV, and other networks.
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