Kyrie Irving has been unable to participate in games with the Dallas Mavericks for several weeks due to a thumb injury that forced him out on January 22. However, he is now scheduled to make his return on Monday night as the Mavericks take on the Philadelphia 76ers. In a conversation with Brad Townsend and the media, Irving expressed his frustration when dealing with injuries. Nonetheless, he remains focused on the bigger picture and understands the importance of not rushing his recovery in order to come back even stronger. “I try not to get too ahead of myself and simply wait until my body is in a good state,” Irving stated.
Since Irving’s absence, the Mavericks have suffered defeat in four out of their last six games. They have faced tough opponents such as the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Milwaukee Bucks, all of whom have managed to overcome them. Fans can’t help but wonder if the team would have achieved a few victories with Irving, who has been averaging 25.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. With Irving’s return, Dallas aims to improve their current eighth seed position and regain their status as strong contenders for the playoffs.
Throughout his 12-year career, Irving has encountered numerous injuries. However, he has consistently played a crucial role in every team he has been a part of. When he joined the Mavericks last season, many doubted the impact he would have, especially after a rough start. Although the team is still far from flawless, Irving’s partnership with Luka Doncic has proven to be highly effective, significantly enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities. His return will undoubtedly be welcomed, particularly after a few inconsistent weeks.