Kyrie Irving Makes Dallas Mavericks Debut in Win Over Los Angeles Clippers

The Dallas Mavericks got their first look at their future on Wednesday night. In his first game since being acquired from the Brooklyn Nets via a blockbuster trade, Kyrie Irving logged 24 points, four rebounds, and five assists in a 110-104 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kai showed out in his Mavs debut 🪣#MFFL pic.twitter.com/hUPx9wRuOp
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 9, 2023

It was a tough night's work. Irving played 37 minutes, hitting nine of 17 field goal attempts, including four of eight from three. It was his first game since a February 1st 139-96 loss to the Celtics with the Nets. For the season, he's averaging 27.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game with a .605 true shooting percentage.

It was a promising debut for Irving, but the Mavericks won't know what they have until they see him on the court with Luka Doncic. Doncic is currently sitting with a right heel contusion. He is travelling with the Mavericks, which indicates he should be close to a return. The Mavericks are 30-26 and fourth in the Western Conference and are well-positioned to make a significant playoff run so long as everything runs smoothly and goes as planned. With the ever-mercurial Irving in the mix, that's no guarantee.

The Mavericks visit the Sacramento Kings on Friday night. It could be Doncic and Irving's first night playing together.