On Friday night, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 106-98 (at home). Kyrie Irving finished the win with 25 points, five rebound

Even without important pieces like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dereck Lively II, both teams' role players simmered the beef between the ball clubs. The usually well-mannered Thunder were hit with multiple technical fouls. PJ Washington continued to poke the bear.

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.

Irving moved into 27th in NBA history with 1,828 made three-pointers, passing LA Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, someone Irving saw as a mentor and a friend. Irving w

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

Kyrie Irving, returning after a one-game absence due to a back sprain, delivered a strong performance with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The tension on the court was palpable, with

Kyrie Irving has surpassed Kobe Bryant on a prestigious list in fewer games after the Mavericks' victory over the Thunder

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

The most recent player to pass Bryant on the all-time list is Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. He did so after their most recent game against the Thunder. Irving has now moved to 27th all-time and Bryant has shifted down to 28th. Bryant will likely continue to slide down as the years go by.

Kyrie Irving scored 25 points as the Dallas Mavericks brought the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder down to earth with a 106-98 victory over the Western Conference leaders on Friday.

Inconsistency is about the only consistent theme of the Dallas Mavericks’ injury-riddled season. The Mavericks began most of the new year with the task of playing without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.