PHILADELPHIA — In a much-anticipated return to the court, Kyrie Irving led the Dallas Mavericks to a crucial victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 23 points and dishing out eight assists after a six-game hiatus due to a sprained thumb. The win not only boosts Dallas’ playoff hopes but also sets the stage for Irving’s return to Brooklyn, a tenure marked by injuries and controversies.
Luka Doncic added 19 points in one of the rare occasions this season that the Mavericks’ star duo shared the court, helping secure a 118-102 win against the Sixers on Monday night. The victory comes as a morale booster before facing the Nets, a team Irving was part of in a high-profile yet turbulent partnership with James Harden and Kevin Durant.
Irving’s time with the Nets was overshadowed by his refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate and his sharing of an anti-Semitic film, leading to significant time away from the court. Reflecting on his upcoming return to Barclays Center, Irving expressed excitement but downplayed any deeper significance, emphasizing the professional nature of the league and competitive spirit that comes with facing former teams.
The Mavericks, currently eighth in the Western Conference, have seen limited action from their key players due to injuries, with Irving and Doncic playing together in just 23 of the team’s 50 games. Their performance against the 76ers, where Dallas dominated the fourth quarter, highlighted the potential of a healthy Mavericks lineup.
Josh Green’s 20 points contributed to Dallas’ effort, while the 76ers felt the absence of Joel Embiid, who is out due to a knee injury. Without their MVP candidate, Philadelphia struggled to maintain their early lead, especially in the third quarter where they managed only 17 points.
Philadelphia’s interim leaders, Tobias Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Tyrese Maxey, initially stepped up, but the team could not sustain their momentum against the surging Mavericks. Dallas’ proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 43 three-point attempts, underscored their offensive firepower.
As the Mavericks look forward to their next challenge in Brooklyn, the 76ers are set to host the Golden State Warriors, hoping to bounce back from this setback and adjust to life without Embiid. Both teams face critical junctures in their seasons, with playoff implications hanging in the balance.
