Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.

Wednesday’s controversial loss to the New Orleans Pelicans was an example of Irving’s latest injury management because of a bulging disc in his back. Irving said Tuesday that he would “most likely” play in a game that was on the road after the Mavericks suffered a lopsided loss at home to Denver the night before.

Kyrie Irving addressed his injury concern following the Mavericks' big victory against the Thunder on Friday night.

A lot of this stems back to the 2024 playoffs when Dallas beat the top-seeded Thunder in the second round in six games, but this is becoming one of the best rivalries in the NBA, and Kyrie Irving had an up-close view of all of it.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

Kyrie Irving reacts to PJ Washington's continued success against the Thunder as the Mavericks secure a crucial win.

The Dallas Mavericks travel to New Orleans and face the Pelicans on Wednesday evening. Dallas is playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a 118-99 lo

The Dallas Mavericks are set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Kyrie Irving did not play in the Mavericks’ 119-116 defeat against the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday, but will the Mavs star return on Friday?

The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a crucial game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with star guard Kyrie Irving's status uncertain due to a lumbar back sprain. Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a left calf strain,