Most importantly for the clutch-weary free-throw-shooting Mavericks, he hit both of his foul shots, cushioning Dallas’ 122-114 victory and ensuring the Kings’ torrent fourth-quarter comeback attempt didn’t completely erase a once-24-point advantage.
In his second game since an abrupt trade from the Brooklyn Nuggets paired him as Luka Doncic’s co-star, Irving (24 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and one steal in 35 minutes) led seven Mavericks in double-digit scoring and powered the team’s third consecutive win without Luka Doncic (right heel contusion).
With the Mavericks hopeful Doncic will return Saturday for a back to back rematch in Golden 1 Center, many viewers and fans ended Friday wondering: How dazzling will the Mavericks’ offense become when they can add their leading MVP candidate to the mix?
