How Kyrie Irving Stayed Ready For Major Injury Return vs. Lakers
DALLAS — After being sidelined for three games due to right foot soreness, Kyrie Irving made a major return to the Dallas Mavericks' lineup. In what became a 111-110 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Irving totaled 38 points, six rebounds and six assists with high efficiency.
Don’t call it a comeback.
Irving's ability to go from being out of game action to immediately looking like he hasn't missed time is a true testament to his day-to-day process. He was executing some highly difficult plays against the Lakers, whether it involved creating space from 3-point range in a narrow window, finishing a high-release floater over a vertical contest, or throwing a ball reversal to the shooting pocket of his teammate before a game-winning 3-pointer.
Needless to say, Irving didn't look as though he missed time.
It usually doesn't take long to learn how an elite player has accomplished incredible results in their career when observing their habits. Irving, who often is on the court for pre-game workouts two-to-three hours before games, is commonly working on any major variable imaginable as far as finishing and shot creation are concerned.
When asked about what goes into his preparation process to enable such a performance after returning from injury, Irving made clear that it doesn't involve any complicated things. It comes down to being intentional with each rep he has on the court and making the most of his rehab.
"Well, you're usually there, right? Early watching [my pre-game on-court workouts]. I don't think it's any extra science or anything like that, but it comes down to being intentional about my reps," Irving told DallasBasketball.com. "I could sit at home or be on the court and be like, 'I wish my foot felt as great as it has all season,' but it's just not the reality.
"Just taking my reps out there on the floor and being efficient in the opportunities I have. It's not the first time I've played with an injury or anything like that. Just keep pushing and keep getting rehab and recovery to put myself in the best position."
The Mavs have strongly needed one of their superstars to return from injury. Irving was the first to do so as Luka Doncic remains day-to-day as he recovers from a quad injury. Doncic's next chance to return is on Monday when the team takes on the Memphis Grizzlies.
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