West Notes: Mavs, Kyrie Irving, Suns, Kevin Durant, Jazz

Mavericks

Point guard Kyrie Irving admitted that the Mavs’ win over the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday was special. Irving scored a game-high 36 points, spending time signing autographs and greeting fans.

“Just like any other basketball game, but it felt like I was home tonight,” Irving said.

• Not to be forgotten was the amazing performance of guard Luka Doncic, who erupted for 35 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists. Doncic quickly shed a mask he was wearing to protect a nasal bruise to boot.
• Irving is second to Vince Carter in Nets franchise history with his 14 40-point games. He returned from a six-game absence with a sprained thumb for Monday’s victory at Philadelphia.

Suns

The thunderous dunk by star forward Kevin Durant over the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo was all the rage after Phoenix’s home win on Tuesday.

Durant, 35, scored 28 in the win, behind only shooting guard Devin Booker, who had 32.

“They just forget me for a split-second, then I’m in the middle of the paint, and it’s on me to finish,” Durant said of the play. “I’m glad I didn’t pull up for a floater or a mid-range.”

Added coach Frank Vogel: “When it’s time to attack the rim, he tears that thing down.”

• The Suns are said to be interested in Hornets power forward P.J. Washington and small forward Miles Bridges ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, as well as Nets forward Royce O’Neale, among others.

Jazz

The Jazz have now rallied from a second-half deficit to win in two straight games. On Tuesday, that win came against the Thunder, with Lauri Markkanen leading the way with 33 points.

“I think we’ve been playing our game,” Markkanen told reporters. “Moving the ball. Moving without the ball. Getting good looks. Obviously, the percentages go up when you get good shots.”

• Utah is now 20-1 on the season when leading to start the fourth quarter.