The Dallas Mavericks had their hands full on Monday night, as frustration over the Luka Doncic trade boiled over, leading to the ejection of multiple fans. Given that backdrop, Kyrie Irving’s electrifying performance on Wednesday felt even more critical. 
Kyrie torched the Warriors for 42 points on 15-of-25 shooting, capping off his night by drawing a decisive offensive foul on Jimmy Butler with 17 seconds remaining. The effort gave Dallas a much-needed victory and a morale boost at home.
Klay Thompson sounded off on Irving’s performance: “That was incredible — 42 and the defensive stop of the night. Yeah, that was incredible. Needed it bad, especially when I didn’t have my best shooting night. That’s our point guard, man. That was ridiculous.”
The Mavericks, already shorthanded, were forced to start 6’7″ forward Kessler Edwards at center due to injuries to Dereck Lively, Daniel Gafford, Dwight Powell, and newly acquired Anthony Davis. Irving credited the home crowd for helping push the team to victory, saying their energy played a key role in closing out the win.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks remain optimistic about Davis’ recovery from an adductor strain. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas is proceeding with caution but doesn’t anticipate surgery will be necessary.
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