One year after being traded to Dallas, Kyrie Irving made a triumphant return to Brooklyn on Tuesday, scoring 36 points and leading the Mavericks to a 119-107 victory over the Nets, showcasing what they had given up.
With Luka Doncic scoring 35 points, grabbing 18 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists, the Mavericks dominated against the Nets and improved their season record to 28-23, while Brooklyn fell to 20-30. Kyrie Irving, who had been absent due to injury for six games, returned in Monday’s win against Philadelphia. Doncic, who had been wearing a protective mask for a nose injury, expressed his delight at having the eight-time All-Star back.
Despite receiving some negative reactions from the home crowd in Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving had already scored 16 points early in the second quarter. He amazed the crowd with a spectacular dunk in the third quarter, extending the Mavericks’ lead to 74-52. Irving made six of his ten three-point attempts, including two crucial shots that halted the Nets’ momentum in the fourth quarter.
In Phoenix, Kevin Durant, who used to play with Irving in Brooklyn, scored 28 points, while Devin Booker contributed 32 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 114-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 34-point performance, the Bucks suffered their fourth loss in five games since Doc Rivers became their new coach last month.
In other games on Tuesday, the New York Knicks secured a 123-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, but concerns arose over a potential injury to Jalen Brunson. Brunson had an impressive performance, scoring 27 points and providing eight assists before sustaining what appeared to be an ankle injury when fouled with 5:31 remaining. Despite missing key players Julius Randle and OG Anunoby, the short-handed Knicks had a strong first half, leading 70-46, but allowed the Grizzlies to make a comeback with nine 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, bringing the game within four points with two minutes left. Donte DiVincenzo led the scoring for New York with 32 points.
Miami have had difficulties winning at home recently, with only one victory in their last six games in South Florida. However, they managed to overpower their state rivals Orlando with a 121-95 victory. In the game, seven Heat players scored in double figures, with Jimmy Butler leading the team with 23 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Miami’s defense was also impressive, holding their opponents to 43.8% shooting from the field and 10-of-35 from beyond the three-point line.
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