An epic clash of talents is anticipated as the Dallas Mavericks prepare to host the Phoenix Suns. As the teams navigate past the mid-season, the Mavs currently hold the eighth seed in the West while the Suns ride higher, positioned two berths above Dallas. The anticipation is palpable, with Kevin Durant hitting peak form for the season and Luka Doncic effortlessly racking up triple-doubles. The game promises a spectacle like no other.
However, Dallas fans were momentarily on edge when rumors circulated about Luka possibly sitting out due to a back issue. The latest updates, though, bring a sigh of relief as indications suggest he will take the court. However, there’s a twist – another star player, Kyrie Irving, might be absent from the game.
A recent update from Mavs coach Jason Kidd reveals that Kyrie Irving is dealing with a sprained right thumb. Moreover, his presence on the court for the game will hinge on how he fares after his pregame warmup.
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Kyrie Irving (sprained right thumb) will determine whether he can play tonight after his warmup, Jason Kidd says.
The rest of the Mavs questionables — Luka Doncic, Dante Exum and Seth Curry — are available vs. Suns.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 24, 2024
On a positive note, along with Luka, Dante Exum and Seth Curry have also been given the green light to play in the upcoming matchup.
Though fans are eager to see Kyrie on the court, the main headline might center around the burgeoning rivalry between Luka Doncic and Devin Booker.
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Over the past few seasons, Doncic and Booker have become intimately acquainted. Despite a recent viral and heartfelt moment in a game this year, the excitement among fans is still fueled by the intense clash between the two, which began during the Conference Semifinals two years ago.
Kyrie is determined to help Luka Doncic
Kyrie Irving’s thumb injury comes from the opening play of their recent matchup against the Boston Celtics. It was the second instance where Kyrie gave fans a scare. In the Mavs game against the Lakers, Kyrie was tackled by LeBron in the hunt for a loose ball. The collision happened when Irving was in mid-air, resulting in a fall to the floor. With that, even though Kyrie expressed frustration over these preventable injuries, he displayed a strong stance on finding effective ways to support Luka Doncic.
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During the Celtics game, Kyrie’s hesitation to take shots led to Luka attempting more shots than usual, preventing the Mavericks from reaching their full potential. Recognizing this, Kyrie acknowledged the need to optimize his contributions to make things smoother for Luka in the second half. Taking charge, he also gathered the team to emphasize defense and ease the burden.
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