The Dallas Mavericks may soon see one of their top NBA stars back on the floor. Kyrie Irving, who has been out since New Year’s Day due to a lingering back injury, was upgraded to “questionable” for Tuesday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets, suggesting his return could be close.
Kyrie Irving’s Extended Absence Hurts Dallas Mavericks
Irving, a key piece of the Mavericks’ offense, last played on January 1 and has since dealt with a lumbar back sprain. He scored only 16 points against the Houston Rockets that night before an illness kept him out of the following game. In the stretch without Irving, the Mavericks are 2-3 over their last five contests, falling to 3-6 this season when the guard does not play.
Head coach Jason Kidd underscored the impact of Irving’s absence on the NBA team’s performance.
“You look at the quarterback aspect. You look at the leadership. You look at his ability to score,” Kidd said. “Just his presence. His gravity. A lot of times he has denials on the ball, while he has it. We definitely miss that and hopefully we get that back soon.”
Dallas Mavericks’ Adjustments Without Kyrie Irving
With Kyrie Irving sidelined, Spencer Dinwiddie has taken over primary ball-handling duties, logging 10 assists during Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets. Third-year guard Jaden Hardy has stepped in as a scoring spark, averaging 15.4 points on 51.9% shooting from three-point range over the last five games.
Despite their efforts, the Mavericks struggle to replace Irving’s 24 points per game and his leadership on the court. The star guard is also shooting a career-best 44% from beyond the arc this season, showcasing just how critical his offense is for their contention hopes.
Luka Dončić Still Out, More Challenges Ahead
While the Mavericks await Kyrie Irving’s return, they also remain without Luka Dončić, recovering from a left calf strain. Kidd emphasized that reintegrating two stars could be an adjustment, but he expects the role players to maintain their current intensity.
“I think there’s always an adjustment when a key piece comes back,” Kidd said. “Sometimes you relax. Sometimes you wait, but I think for us we just have to continue to keep pushing forward. Kai will join the party. When Luka gets healthy, he’ll join. Those guys are special and they understand how to play the game at a high level. … We don’t have the room to take a step back.”
Potential Impact Against the Denver Nuggets
If Irving suits up on Tuesday, he will face a Denver team he has excelled against in recent memory. Earlier this season, Irving lit up the Nuggets for 43 points. His clutch track record against Denver includes a left-handed buzzer-beater at American Airlines Center last season. This iconic moment still resonates with Mavericks fans across the NBA landscape.
Outlook for the Dallas Mavericks
As the Mavericks fight to stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference, regaining Kyrie Irving could be the spark to climb the NBA standings. His scoring, playmaking, and leadership should ease the load on Dinwiddie, Hardy, and others who have done their best to fill the void.
With Irving nearing a possible return and Dončić’s recovery still in progress, the Mavericks hope to reassemble their dynamic backcourt duo soon. The next few games will show whether they can leverage Irving’s skill set to regain momentum and position themselves for a strong playoff push in the NBA’s second half.
