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Duke Basketball Product Provides Masterclass Performance for Mavericks

Former Duke basketball one-and-done Kyrie Irving's long stretch without an absence has equated to the Mavericks' late-season emergence.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball guard Kyrie Irving
Former Duke basketball guard Kyrie Irving | Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

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On the back of Kyrie Irving's season-high 48 points, the Dallas Mavericks picked up their 48th victory of the season in defeating the visiting Houston Rockets in overtime, 147-136, on Sunday afternoon. It marked the Duke basketball pro's 29th straight game in action.

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And largely due to Irving's consistency and apparent giddiness in his role starring alongside Luka Doncic these days, the Mavericks (48-30) are suddenly one of the NBA's hottest teams. They've won three straight and 14 of their past 16 outings, climbing to No. 5 in the Western Conference standings and only 2.0 games back of the No. 4 seed Los Angeles Clippers with four games remaining on their regular-season slate.

Against the Rockets, the 32-year-old Irving shot a blistering 15-for-25 from the field, 3-for-8 from three, and 15-for-17 at the charity stripe. He added seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal in his 45 minutes on the floor.

Once again, the handles that the eight-time All-Star displayed to create his own shots were nothing short of remarkable:

Across his 56 appearances this season, the former one-and-done collegian and No. 1 overall draft pick is averaging 25.8 points while posting impressive shooting percentages: 49.6 from the field, 41.0 beyond the arc, and 90.7 at the foul line.

Meanwhile, promising rookie big man Dereck Lively II, Dallas' other Duke basketball talent, has missed the past four games with a sprained knee and may remain out of commission for the rest of the regular season.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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