Kyrie Irving, Mavs 'Looking Forward' to Matchup vs. Knicks, Jalen Brunson
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks will continue a seven-game homestand with a matchup against the New York Knicks on Thursday night. It will be the first game Jalen Brunson will have played at American Airlines Center since his departure in 2022.
Luka Doncic has already been ruled out due to a right ankle sprain, meaning Kyrie Irving will have to become the Mavs' primary offensive threat. The challenge is one Irving embraces against a premier point matchup and surging team that is undefeated since acquiring O.G. Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors.
"We know they're coming in with the utmost energy and got a great point guard, Jalen [Brunson], leading them and other guys that are filling in their roles," Irving said. "They had a big trade, so we get the first look at the AAC against the New York Knicks. Looking forward to the challenge."
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After losing handily to a Memphis Grizzlies squad playing without Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., among many sidelined players, the Mavs continue to strive to achieve consistent success. Irving felt the Mavs eased up instead of sustaining a high degree of focus and execution against Memphis, but must prevent that from being the case regardless of the opponent on a given night.
"When you are aspiring to be at the top of the league and be respected as one of the best teams in the league, nights like this matter," Irving said. "You don’t want to hang your head for too long. But, obviously, playing the No. 1 team in the West and then playing against the Memphis Grizzlies, no disrespect to who they are, but we took our foot off the gas pedal, and they took advantage.
"They hit us in the mouth in the first quarter with 29 points and then 39 in the second," Irving explained. "That was pretty much the game right there.”
Irving has long held a rivalry with the Knicks since fans had high anticipation for his free agency arrival along with Kevin Durant before they joined the Brooklyn Nets. He's averaged 25.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in 28 games against New York during his NBA career. He has yet to face them as a member of the Mavs.
Beyond not having Doncic and Dante Exum, the Mavs may have to try getting by without Dereck Lively II (left ankle sprain) and Maxi Kleber (right small toe dislocation) as they are doubtful to play on Thursday. Meanwhile, Grant Williams (right ankle sprain) is questionable to play.
