But on a positive note, it has allowed Kyrie Irving to become the primary scorer for the Mavericks. While Kai has failed to help the Mavs win games consistently, he is having a terrific stretch on an individual level.

The shorthanded Mavericks converted on just 6 of 24 from beyond the arc. Irving led the way with 38 points and nine assists, and PJ Washington added a season-high 28 points and eight rebounds on 11 of 20 from the field. Daniel Gafford was the only other double-digit scorer for the Mavericks with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.

On Wednesday evening, the Dallas Mavericks played the Minneosta Timberwolves in Texas. The Mavs lost by a score of 115-114. Despite the loss, Kyrie Irving exploded for 36 points, four rebounds and nine assists while shooting 12/21 from the field and 4/11 from the three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.

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Even without important pieces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dereck Lively II, both teams' role players simmered the beef between the ball clubs. The usually well-mannered Thunder were hit with multiple technical fouls. PJ Washington continued to poke the bear.

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Irving entered the night just three points shy of the threshold with 17,997 career points. After a pair of free throws, he maneuvered into the paint and connected on a midrange jumper at the 7:17 mark of the first quarter. He finished with 38 points despite another loss for the injury-riddled Mavericks.

“I wish they would respect [Kyrie Irving] and give him a couple more calls under the basket. He’s a great finisher around the rim but he’s gonna end up getting hurt because of how many guys put him on the floor,” Gafford stated.

As we mentioned earlier, Kai has already featured in the NBA All-Star game eight times in his career. While the Mavs guard is averaging 24.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, his inability to win games could dwindle his chances of making the 2025 NBA All-Star game.