"Better when Luka isn't ball hogging": NBA fans hail Kyrie Irving's masterclass in Luka Doncic's absence
The Dallas Mavericks wrapped up a three-game road trip with a stop in Georgia for the Atlanta Hawks' clash on Monday night. Dallas was without Luka Doncic for the third consecutive game, who has been sidelined with a sprain to his right wrist.
In Doncic's absence, All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has stepped up to lead the Mavericks. On Monday, Dallas was led by another solid performance from Irving, who scored a game-high 32 points with seven rebounds and dished out six assists. The Mavericks routed the Hawks 129-119, advancing to 10-8 on the season.
Following Dallas' win over Atlanta, one fans praised the eight-time All-Star for leading the Mavericks to a win.
"Better when (Luka Doncic) isn't ball-hogging," one fan commented.
"Carrying the team," another fan added in support of Kyrie.
"Has the Mavs on his back," a third fan agreed.
Fans also showed love for Irving's scoring ability.
"Bucket getter," one fan put simply.
"16 in the 4th quarter on 6/8 shooting and 4/5 threes," another fan pointed out.
Irving has played 16 of the Mavericks' 18 games, averaging 24.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds, shooting 52.4% from the field and 47.9% from 3-point range, both of which are career-high marks.
Dallas was also propelled by 23 points from Jaden Hardy, 22 points from Spencer Dinwiddie and 22 points from Naji Marshall.
Luka Doncic listed as "out" versus Knicks
The Mavericks will have Tuesday night off before they're back in action on Wednesday against the New York Knicks. Dallas will host the Knicks in their first of two meetings this season.
Dallas is slated to be without Luka Doncic for the fourth straight game as he continues to nurse his wrist sprain. Doncic suffered the injury on Nov. 19 versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the injury, Dallas' superstar had a team-high 26 points along with five rebounds and five assists.
In 14 games this season, Doncic is averaging 28.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.6 assists, shooting 43.5% from the field. Dallas enters Wednesday night's matchups as winners of five of their last six games.
Doncic was initially ruled out for a minimum of three games on Thursday and will likely be reevaluated ahead of Dallas' matchup versus the Utah Jazz on Saturday.