LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Kyrie Irving shook off some new-team nerves Wednesday, scoring 24 points in his Dallas debut to lead the Mavericks to a 110-104 National Basketball Association victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Irving, a former NBA champion and eight-time All-Star who was traded to Dallas on Sunday after a, sometimes controversial, tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, added four rebounds and five assists and the Mavs led all the way despite the absence of star Luka Doncic, who remained sidelined with a foot injury.
“Incredible,” Irving said of his first game since the trade he requested from Brooklyn, where, he said this week, he “felt very disrespected.”
“I had natural nerves out there, so I was just trying to play well,” he added.
“I got to play the game that I love with some guys that were selfless out there and it just feels good.”
Irving made nine of his 17 shots from the field and delivered four three-pointers against a Clippers team that was among those reportedly courting him once his trade request became public.
Dallas coach Jason Kidd said Irving’s contribution went beyond scoring for a Mavs team that has floundered without Doncic on the floor.
“His leadership down the stretch of getting everyone organized… a lot of great stuff on this new journey with him. It’s going to be fun.”
The Mavericks shot out of the gate, fueled by five three-pointers in the first quarter from Reggie Bullock. Irving found his range in the second period to help them push their lead to as many as 19.
