The Dallas Mavericks might be getting their star guard back just in time for the holidays.
Kyrie Irving is ahead of schedule in his recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in March, and there’s growing belief that a Christmas Day matchup with the Golden State Warriors could mark his return, The Sporting News reported.
For Dallas, the potential timing is crucial. The Mavericks entered this season with sky-high expectations after pulling off a blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis and drafting Cooper Flagg with the number one overall pick.
While the team has shown flashes, chemistry and half-court execution have been inconsistent. Irving’s return would immediately steady things.
Irving’s impact has always been clear. Since joining Dallas, he has averaged 25.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, providing the scoring punch and playmaking balance that keeps defenses on edge. Last year, before his injury, he put up 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc.
In his absence, Dallas has leaned heavily on Davis, while rookie Flagg has shown glimpses of star potential. But when the game slows down, Jason Kidd’s squad has sometimes struggled to manufacture offense.
Irving’s ability to create shots, dictate pace, and punish double teams could be the missing piece.
A Christmas Day return would also give Irving months to reintegrate before the All-Star break. It would “provide a huge spark and accelerate the team’s development before the postseason,” The Sporting News noted.
His championship pedigree and late-game poise bring an extra layer of confidence to a roster trying to navigate a loaded Western Conference.
If Irving does make it back for the Warriors clash, it won’t just be a symbolic comeback on one of the NBA’s biggest stages, it could be the turning point that pushes Dallas from a promising contender to a genuine title threat.
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