Mavs' Kyrie Irving Jokingly Compares Himself to Benjamin Button: 'More Athletic in My 30s?'
DALLAS — Following the Dallas Mavericks' 113–107 win against the San Antonio Spurs, Irving was excited to discuss recording his third dunk of his 2023-24 campaign. He humorously noted he may have set a new single-season career high for dunks.
“Am I at a career-high this year? I think I have three dunks—I’m three dunks in—I think that’s my career-high at this point,” said Irving, who finished with 28 points and seven rebounds against the Spurs.
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Irving, who will be celebrating his 32nd birthday on Saturday, March 23, joked that maybe he's getting more athletic in his 30s, comparing himself to the movie character Benjamin Button — a man who ages in reverse.
“Did you watch the movie Benjamin Button? What if I’m getting more athletic in my 30s? That would be a heck of a thing, wouldn’t it?”
Irving also reflected on how he's overcome recent injuries before managing to find his current form after multiple years to get healthy.
"With no screws in my knee, with no almost bad ankle," Irving said. "It took me a few years to get healthy."
However, Irving tempered expectations about adding dunking to his regular highlight reel, humorously dismissing the idea of competing in the dunk contest and answering emphatically: "No!"
As the Mavs continue to play out the season's stretch run, Irving has been playing games while fasting for Ramadan.
"Ramadan is a special month, so it's a special time. just try not to think about the suffering too much and really focus on the journey with God and the path that you're on, and just stay focused on that and stay disciplined," Irving said.
"It's a difficult journey, and to be able to play 48 minutes and not have a drink or eat any food is nothing short of a miracle," Irving explained. "So there's definitely a universal God out there that's protecting me, and I have to give credit to him."
Irving has had a stellar season, contributing significantly alongside teammate Luka Doncic. He boasts an impressive average of 25.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game, with efficient shooting percentages.
In the recent game against the Spurs, Irving stepped up significantly to lead the Mavericks to victory, especially with Doncic facing shooting struggles. Irving's performance underscored his crucial role in the team's success.
