NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving returned to New York in spectacular fashion, lighting up the court with 36 points in the Dallas Mavericks’ 119-107 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The homecoming game was a special moment for Irving, who grew up in the area and had a significant following in the stands at the Barclays Center.
Luka Doncic also starred for the Mavericks, posting 35 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing out on a triple-double. His performance, along with Irving’s, proved too much for the Nets as the guard duo hit deep 3-pointers to stave off any comeback attempts by Brooklyn.
Irving, who played for the Nets before his trade to the Mavericks, was met with mixed reactions from the crowd, receiving boos initially but eventually earning cheers for his impressive plays, including a high-flying slam dunk in the third quarter. His return was marked by moments of nostalgia and celebration, as he spent time after the game signing autographs and reconnecting with fans.
Despite a spirited effort by the Nets, highlighted by Mikal Bridges’ 28 points and a late-game rally to cut a 23-point deficit to just six, Irving’s consecutive 3-pointers in the final minutes sealed the win for Dallas. The Nets, playing without several key players, struggled to contain the Mavericks’ offensive firepower.
Brooklyn’s coach Jacque Vaughn acknowledged Irving’s impact, praising his timely shot-making abilities. The game also saw Ben Simmons contributing with nine points, nine rebounds, and seven assists after missing a previous game.
Irving’s tenure with the Nets was tumultuous, marked by missed games due to personal reasons, his stance on COVID-19 vaccination, and a suspension for refusing to apologize for sharing an antisemitic work. Despite these challenges, Irving’s return to Brooklyn was without a tribute video, unlike Kevin Durant’s recent return, with the Nets opting for a more subdued acknowledgment.
The Mavericks led comfortably for most of the game, with Irving’s shooting in the second quarter pushing the lead into double digits, and Doncic’s long-range 3-pointers in the third quarter demoralizing the Nets’ comeback efforts.
As both teams look ahead, the Mavericks will continue their New York tour against the Knicks, while the Nets prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers, each aiming to build momentum from their performances in this memorable matchup.
