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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings Feb 11, 2023 Sacramento, California, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving 2 gestures in front of owner Mark Cuban after making a buzzer beater against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento Golden 1 Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrenxYamashitax 20230211_gma_yl1_0739

via Imago
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Dallas Mavericks at Sacramento Kings Feb 11, 2023 Sacramento, California, USA Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving 2 gestures in front of owner Mark Cuban after making a buzzer beater against the Sacramento Kings during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Sacramento Golden 1 Center California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDarrenxYamashitax 20230211_gma_yl1_0739
The Dallas Mavericks sent shockwaves across the NBA world with a startling trade last season. Kyrie Irving expressed his desire to part ways with the Brooklyn Nets, sending several teams into a desperate chase for the 8-time All-Star’s talent. However, Mavericks emerged on top, signing the veteran guard after an astonishing trade. Irving landed in Dallas for a fresh start, but his controversies followed suit.
Kyrie Irving had a disastrous season in terms of controversies in 2022-23. The Duke Blue Devils alum made headlines for all the wrong reasons throughout his stint with the Nets last season. However, he made yet another questionable move after joining the Mavericks during their matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Irving discussed this very incident involving an $80M worth ex-Grizzlies star recently.
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Kyrie Irving discusses an infamous incident
Kyrie Irving has changed his allegiance on many occasions, but his controversies have never left the trail. After his controversial exit from the Nets putting an end to their infamous “Big Three” era, Irving joined the Mavericks. However, he made headlines yet again after embarrassing the ex-Grizzlies forward, Dillon Brooks.
Talking about the incident, Irving said “Dillon Brooks man, me and him had a whole viral moment this year where after the game, I was pissed that I got hurt again…. not necessarily just pissed, I was pissed at him“.
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He further added, “He knew it too.. he didn’t do it on purpose…. he hurt me during that game. I had like 26 going 28 into the fourth quarter at Memphis. We were supposed to win that game, we needed that game to go into the playoffs; and here he is just doing Dillon Brooks things“.
He finally revealed why he did not take Brooks’ jersey after the game. “I didn’t take his jersey after the game ’cause I was just so focused on getting to the locker room and getting my rehab…” said the Mavericks guard.
Irving revealed his side of the story of why he embarrassed Dillon Brooks. However, what exactly took place for Irving to make these statements?
The confusion that ensued in Memphis explained
The Dallas Mavericks took on the Memphis Grizzlies in a crucial encounter on their road trip. The Mavericks who were battling for a play-in spot in the Western Conference needed a win in Memphis to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, the Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks could not get past the mighty Grizzlies.

USA Today via Reuters
Apr 2, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (2) reacts to being called for a foul on Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) (not shown) leading to the deciding points during overtime at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Kyrie Irving took on the leadership role in this game in the absence of the Mavericks’ superstar guard, Luka Doncic. The game interestingly, came down to the wire despite Doncic missing out. Irving scored an impressive 28 points in the game, leading the Mavericks to a commanding position.
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However, the Grizzlies eventually pulled through with the crucial win. In the game, the current Houston Rockets forward, Dillon Brooks ran a play that severely injured Irving. Irving followed this up by totally embarrassing the 27-year-old.
After the game, Brooks tried to exchange jerseys with Irving as a sign of respect. However, after taking Brooks’ jersey, Irving rushed into his locker room without giving his jersey to the ex-Grizzlies star. This led to Brooks being trolled brutally on social media.
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Irving’s actions elicited a hilarious response from fans. Brooks received much ridicule after this act. However, he eventually signed an $80M contract with the Rockets in free agency. Despite Brooks not letting this moment get to him, it will live on in the fans’ memory for quite a while.
WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 Performances From 30–Year–Old Kyrie Irving During Glittering NBA Career
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