Mavericks' Kyrie Irving Reaches 18,000 Career Points: 'A Lot of Points for a 6-Foot-1 Guard'
Kyrie Irving reflects on surpassing 18,000 career points with the Mavericks, sharing gratitude, family support, and inspiration as a 6-foot-1 guard in the NBA.
DALLAS — Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving became the 81st player in NBA history to surpass 18,000 career points. Irving achieved this feat after recording 36 points and nine assists in Wednesday’s 115-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Entering the night with 17,997 career points, Irving made a mid-range jumper to reach 18,000, and the Mavericks honored his achievement with a message displayed on the American Airlines Center jumbotron.
"I was about to drop a tear,” Irving said about his reaction to reaching the 18,000 mark. “Just the past few years, the games that I've missed, and the injuries, I feel like I should have been at 18,000 a long time ago. It's all God's plan, so I'm not going to question it, but I'm grateful."
Reflecting on his career, Irving admitted he was surprised by the achievement as a smaller guard in the NBA. At 6-foot-2, he recognized the significance of his longevity and expressed his excitement to celebrate the milestone with his family.
"When I heard that, I was like, 'I've reached 18,000?' That's a lot of points in the best league in the world for a 6'1" guard like myself. I'm excited to celebrate, not only with myself selfishly, but with my family, because they've been right there with me."
Irving also acknowledged how rare it is for players to reach such a scoring milestone and expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
"Some guys never get a chance to even reach 10,000 or 5,000,” Irving explained. “I just feel like I'm representing the guys who came before me. I've looked up to them so much."
The eight-time All-Star draws inspiration from his peers he’s competing with since entering the NBA as the first overall pick in 2011. Irving mentioned his teammate Klay Thompson, who recently reached 16,000 career points despite multiple significant injuries during his 13-year tenure with the Golden State Warriors tenure.
"To be peers with some of the guys I'm still playing with when I came into the league, and they're still climbing up the ladder, they're motivating me, and I think that's what this league is about,” Irving added.
Irving has continued to play at a high level for the Mavericks this season, averaging 24.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds over 34 games. Despite managing a bulging disc injury, Irving continues to make history, recently passing Kobe Bryant for 27th on the NBA’s all-time three-pointers made leaderboard. With his scoring prowess, Irving is poised to achieve even more milestones as the season progresses.
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