The New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t overcome the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, falling 111-103 on the road.
Leading the charge for Dallas, Kyrie Irving delivered a game-high 35 points, marking his third consecutive game with at least 30 points. His scoring surge has been crucial for the Mavericks, especially in the wake of trading superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dallas continues to battle significant frontcourt injuries, with Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford all sidelined. Despite these setbacks, the Mavericks remain focused on making another deep playoff run after last season’s NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Irving shared insight into the team’s mindset post-All-Star break:
“Timing of the season, it means something. We’re trying to get a playoff position that matters, so we have something to play for. We don’t want to add too much pressure; we want to have fun, but we know where we are in the season.”
With four NBA Finals appearances and an NBA championship under his belt, Irving understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. The nine-time All-Star is averaging 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists this season, playing a crucial role in keeping the Mavericks competitive.
On the other side, Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 29 points but played under 30 minutes once again. Since returning from injury in January, the two-time All-Star has yet to surpass that threshold in any game. New Orleans, struggling to find consistency, currently holds the worst record in the Western Conference.
