Kyrie Irving shines for the Mavericks with elite efficiency, leadership, and artistry, averaging 24.8 points per game on 54.5% shooting. Teammates and coaches marvel at his impact.
DALLAS — Kyrie Irving’s brilliance has become a nightly spectacle for the Dallas Mavericks, blending creativity and precision in ways that often defy belief.
Irving’s impact is felt at every level of the game—his incredible shooting efficiency despite being a dynamic shot creator, dazzling handles, and fearless finishes at the rim all contribute to a package that teammates, coaches, and opponents continue to marvel at.
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Through 13 games this season, the 32-year-old guard is averaging 24.8 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.6 rebounds. His shooting splits—54.5% from the field, 52.1% from three, and 85.1% at the free-throw line—underscore his unparalleled efficiency.
“Simple, because he’s Kyrie Irving,” Luka Dončić said when asked how Irving maintains such elite efficiency. “I see it every day, and it still amazes me. It will still amaze me until the end of days we play together. It’s just unbelievable.”
The Kyrie Effect
Irving’s fingerprints were all over Dallas’ commanding 132-91 win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. He scored 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while adding 7 assists. His offensive versatility was fully displayed, demonstrating why he’s among the league’s most complete players.
“Just like it has been the whole season, we’ve lost a lot of close games, but what Kyrie does is special, honestly,” Naji Marshall said. “He puts a battery in everybody’s back with his ability to make those killer moves, which he always does. Then, he leaves it up to us to follow his lead.”
Jason Kidd pointed out that despite Irving’s well-rounded game, one of his most vital skills—his elite shooting—is often overshadowed. “Kyrie was 4-of-5 on threes and is shooting 54% from three on the season,” Kidd said postgame. “Does his shooting get overlooked in discussions about his game? Yeah, maybe it does.”
For Dončić, playing alongside Irving is a privilege. “His handle, his shot, the way he finishes—it’s unbelievable,” Dončić said. “I’m lucky to play alongside him.”
Effortless Scoring and Playmaking
What separates Irving from many of his peers isn’t just his efficiency but the variety of ways he can score. Klay Thompson praised Irving’s unique use of body control, describing it as a “blessing” to be his teammate.
“He’s so amazing with his body control, his handle, his shot,” said Thompson. “He’s really one of one, and it’s a blessing to be his two-guard.”
Despite standing at just 6-foot-2, he’s a master at finishing among much taller defenders, employing finesse that leaves even his teammates shaking their heads.
“He’s never going to be the tallest guy on the floor, and the way he finishes with the ball is just unbelievable,” Dončić said. “And then his jump shot—every time he goes up, I just feel he can’t miss.”
That consistency extends beyond games. “The stuff he does in games, he does in practice too,” Dončić said. “It’s just incredible to watch and enjoy it.”
Beyond scoring, Irving’s playmaking has been equally critical. His seven assists against New Orleans highlighted his ability to orchestrate the offense, seamlessly blending scoring and facilitating responsibilities.
A Stabilizing Presence
Irving’s leadership has been evident during Dallas’ recent three-game win streak. Against the Pelicans, his back-to-back deep threes in the third quarter effectively ended the contest, underscoring his ability to provide a steadying force when the game is on the line.
The Mavericks now face a challenging three-game road trip, starting Friday against the Nuggets. Irving’s ability to maintain his incredible efficiency will be pivotal as Dallas builds on a three-game winning streak to climb the standings.
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