In his highly anticipated debut for the Dallas Mavericks, Klay Thompson showcased his shooting prowess. Thompson set a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a Mavericks debut by hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc. Thompson’s 22-point performance helped Dallas secure a 120-109 season-opening victory over the San Antonio Spurs, marking a strong start for the newly formed trio of Thompson, Luka Dončić, and Kyrie Irving.
Dallas, coming off a Western Conference Finals run, hopes Thompson’s sharpshooting can be the missing piece for an NBA title push. Thompson recorded seven rebounds and three steals, combining with Dončić (28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and Irving (15 points, 2 assists, 2 steals) for a total of 65 points. “Wow. Just incredible … I’m not satisfied, but I’m happy for what we did tonight,” Thompson remarked post-game.
Thompson wasted no time making his mark, hitting his first bucket and 3-pointer early, and helped spark a decisive 21-7 run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. Meanwhile, Chris Paul, also making his debut with a new team, led the Spurs with eight assists and three points.
For San Antonio, rookie Victor Wembanyama contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and a block, while Jeremy Sochan and Julian Champagnie topped the Spurs’ scoring with 18 points apiece. Highlights of the game included a dazzling no-look assist from Dončić followed by Thompson’s confident 3-pointer, reflecting the potential chemistry of this Dallas lineup as they set their sights on an NBA title.
After 13 seasons donning No. 11 with the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson is starting fresh with the Dallas Mavericks, wearing a new number in tribute to one of his childhood idols, Reggie Miller. Thompson, now repping No. 31, is poised to make an immediate impact alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.
“When me and [Kyrie Irving] have the ball, you basically can’t help from Klay because if you leave him wide open, he’s going to make it,” Dončić said.
Thompson, renowned for his lethal shooting, adds a new dynamic to the Mavs’ offense as they look to compete for a deep playoff run this season. His connection to Miller, one of the NBA’s greatest shooters, adds another layer to his storied career as he begins this new chapter in Dallas.
TD Garden erupted in cheers as Kristaps Porzingis took the floor for pregame warmups, marking his return after a 38-day hiatus due to a calf strain. The excitement intensified when he checked into the game. Porzingis rewarded the fans with a stellar first-half performance, propelling the Boston Celtics to a 107-89 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
“Hearing the fans go nuts when I came out the tunnel gave me goosebumps,” Porzingis said.
Porzingis, entering the game with the Celtics holding a narrow 12-11 lead, quickly made his presence felt. By the end of the first quarter, Boston had surged to a 37-20 lead, the largest first-quarter advantage in Game 1 of the Finals since the play-by-play era began in 1997-98. Porzingis contributed 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a three-pointer, three rebounds and two blocks in that stretch. He finished the night with 20 points, six boards, and three blocks, posting a game-high defensive rating of 85.0 to help Boston secure a 1-0 series lead.
“His energy was unbelievable … on offense, on defense, [the] chasedown block in transition … his energy just got us going and took us to another level,” said Celtics forward Al Horford.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla added, “It doesn’t matter how long he takes off, the guy is going to make plays because of how talented he is and the work he puts in. What he did for us tonight was big.”
Motivated by the Celtics’ 2022 Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, Jaylen Brown delivered a standout two-way performance in Game 1. Brown tallied 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three blocks, joining Tim Duncan and Scottie Pippen as the only players since 1973-74 to record such stats in a Finals Game 1. His relentless drives, timely three-pointers, and a game-high 11 free throw attempts kept the Dallas defense under constant pressure.
Despite the Mavericks’ loss, Luka Doncic made an impressive Finals debut, scoring a game-high 30 points and grabbing ten rebounds, becoming the first player to post a 30-point double-double in their Finals debut since Tim Duncan in 1999.
The West Finals are headed back to Minnesota. The Timberwolves secured their first Western Conference Finals victory in 20 years by defeating the Mavericks 105-100 in Dallas, extending their season and forcing a Game 5 on Thursday in Minnesota.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 54 points, outshining the Dallas duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the first time in the series. The Timberwolves improved to 3-0 this postseason when facing elimination, with two crucial wins coming on the road.
Despite the win, the Wolves face a daunting challenge. Of the 156 teams falling behind 3-0 in a series, Minnesota became just the 61st to avoid a sweep. They still have a long road ahead to become the first team to win a series after trailing 3-0.
Luka Doncic recorded his ninth career playoff triple-double with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in the loss. Edwards fell just one assist short of his first triple-double, posting 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.
Every game of the 2024 West Finals has been decided in clutch time, with the score within five points in the final five minutes. As the series returns to Minnesota, the Timberwolves will look to continue their fight and make history.
Following their first-round sweep, the Oklahoma City Thunder continued their playoff momentum with a resounding 117-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s near-triple-double performance of 29 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, the Thunder showcased their strength.
Contributions were widespread, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams combining for 37 points, including a crucial 10-point burst from Williams in the fourth quarter. The team’s three-point shooting was exceptional, with 16 made threes from seven different players, including Aaron Wiggins, who contributed three.
Despite efforts from Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who combined for 39 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome OKC’s dominance. The loss marked their lowest combined scoring output of the playoffs.
Daniel Gafford shone for OKC with an impressive first-career playoff double-double, tallying 16 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks.
The Thunder’s victory underscores their resilience and depth, setting a solid tone for the remainder of the series. With a blend of star power and collective effort, OKC aims to continue its playoff success and advance deeper into the postseason.
In a hard-fought battle, Luka Doncic and the Mavericks clinched victory against the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, winning the series in six games with a final score of 114-101.
Doncic, alongside teammate Kyrie Irving, orchestrated the Mavericks’ triumph with a combined effort of 58 points and 17 assists. Doncic dominated the first half, contributing 18 of his 28 points, while Irving took charge in the second half, scoring 28 of his 30 points during that period.
Irving’s consistent second-half performances were a highlight of the series, averaging 20 points per game after halftime.
Despite the Clippers’ resilient efforts, the Mavericks maintained control, repeatedly extending their lead whenever the Clippers threatened a comeback. Norman Powell led the Clippers’ scoring efforts with 20 points off the bench, supported by Paul George and James Harden, who combined for 34 points.
Looking ahead, the Mavericks are set to face the Thunder in the West Semifinals, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET on TNT.
Victor Wembanyama did a little bit of everything in a solid NBA debut for the Spurs. The French rookie had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals in his 23-minute debut. However, he also struggled with turnovers and fouls, picking up five of each. “Lots of emotions for sure. But it would have been perfect with a win,” Wembanyama said after the game. “It might be frustrating, but always keeping your heads up is good for my teammates. I can’t show it on the court, and we learn every day,” he added.
His performance was also praised by head coach Gregg Popovich. “One of the toughest things for a player is to get into foul trouble. You never get into a rhythm, you’re in and out of the game and that sort of thing. I thought his maturity showed, even at a young age, where he came in with the last seven minutes and just played. We ran some stuff for him, he executed where a lot of guys would have been totally out of it by then because, as you said, were in foul trouble and didn’t get the rhythm. I thought he had a wonderful outing considering that,” Coach Pop noted.
Despite Wembanyama’s strong showing, the Spurs couldn’t hold on to their early lead. A combined 55 points from Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving helped the Mavericks pull away late in the all-Texas affair. Dončić ended the night on a triple-double with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Mavs star also had high praise for the rookie. “He has obviously the size, obviously like everybody talks, but the way he moves for 7-5, 7-6 — I don’t know what it is, sorry — but he moves incredible. He moves like a point guard almost. So it’s pretty amazing to see him. He’s going to have a great future, and it’s going to be amazing to watch,” Dončić said.
However, Devin Vassell, who led the Spurs with 23 points, said the team expects Wembanyama to only get greater. “We’re all figuring each other out. We’re all figuring out Wemby. He’s figuring us out. We just got to figure out how to play as a team and make sure that the game is easy for him and he doesn’t have to do as much as he has to do on iso situations and just getting him easy lobs, easy looks to get him going. He demands so much attention. If they are double-teaming him, we have to be able to cut and make certain plays out of that.”
Kyrie Irving, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, has made headlines not just for his on-court prowess but also for his off-court endeavors and controversies. As of 2023, this NBA superstar’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what are the factors that have influenced his financial journey? Let’s delve deeper.
Born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, Kyrie Irving moved to the United States at the age of two. His father, a former basketball player, undoubtedly influenced his passion for the game. Tragedy struck early when he lost his mother at the age of four, but his determination never wavered. From his early days in West Orange, New Jersey, to his time at Duke University, Irving’s talent was evident. His NBA journey began in 2011 when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him. Over the years, he has played for teams like the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his skills and earning accolades, including an NBA championship title in 2016 with the Cavaliers. As of 2023, Irving is associated with the Dallas Mavericks.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets brings the ball up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Beyond his salary as an NBA player, which has seen him sign contracts worth millions, Irving’s net worth has been significantly boosted by endorsements. He has been associated with brands like Pepsi, Skullcandy, and notably, Nike. His Nike endorsement, which began in 2014, saw him earn $11 million annually. However, it’s worth noting that Nike severed ties with him in December 2022 due to a controversy.
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Kyrie Irving on set at Pepsi’s Uncle Drew: Chapter 4 shoot with Kyrie Irving, Ray Allen, Baron Davis and J.B. Smoove on September 17, 2015 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Pepsi)
Irving’s talents aren’t limited to the basketball court. He has showcased his acting skills in commercials and even movies. His character Uncle Drew from Pepsi Max commercials was so popular that it led to a movie in 2018. Additionally, Irving has voice-acted in episodes of popular shows like Family Guy.
SAN FRANCISCO CA – JAN.28: Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets practices ahead of the NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. (Santiago Mejia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Irving’s journey hasn’t been without its share of controversies. From his stance on vaccination, which he claims led to a loss of $100 million in salary and opportunities, to social media posts that drew criticism, he has often been in the limelight for reasons other than basketball. These controversies have had financial implications, such as the termination of his Nike contract.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 21: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets greets his father Drederick Irving after the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on October 21, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 109-105. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Away from the court and cameras, Irving is a father and has strong ties to his heritage. He became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in 2021, honoring his Lakota lineage. Irving has also been vocal about various beliefs, sometimes leading to debates and discussions in the public domain.
Kyrie Irving’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his skills, determination, and ability to leverage his brand. While his journey has seen highs and lows, both professionally and personally, there’s no denying that he remains one of the most influential figures in the world of basketball. As fans and followers, we can only wait to see what the future holds for this NBA star.
Kyrie Irving, a name synonymous with basketball excellence, has made headlines not just for his on-court prowess but also for his off-court endeavors and controversies. As of 2023, this NBA superstar’s net worth is estimated to be around $90 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But how did he amass such wealth, and what are the factors that have influenced his financial journey? Let’s delve deeper.
Born on March 23, 1992, in Melbourne, Australia, Kyrie Irving moved to the United States at the age of two. His father, a former basketball player, undoubtedly influenced his passion for the game. Tragedy struck early when he lost his mother at the age of four, but his determination never wavered. From his early days in West Orange, New Jersey, to his time at Duke University, Irving’s talent was evident. His NBA journey began in 2011 when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected him. Over the years, he has played for teams like the Boston Celtics and the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing his skills and earning accolades, including an NBA championship title in 2016 with the Cavaliers. As of 2023, Irving is associated with the Dallas Mavericks.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 01: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets brings the ball up the court during the fourth quarter of the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on November 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Beyond his salary as an NBA player, which has seen him sign contracts worth millions, Irving’s net worth has been significantly boosted by endorsements. He has been associated with brands like Pepsi, Skullcandy, and notably, Nike. His Nike endorsement, which began in 2014, saw him earn $11 million annually. However, it’s worth noting that Nike severed ties with him in December 2022 due to a controversy.
MIAMI, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Kyrie Irving on set at Pepsi’s Uncle Drew: Chapter 4 shoot with Kyrie Irving, Ray Allen, Baron Davis and J.B. Smoove on September 17, 2015 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rodrigo Varela/Getty Images for Pepsi)
Irving’s talents aren’t limited to the basketball court. He has showcased his acting skills in commercials and even movies. His character Uncle Drew from Pepsi Max commercials was so popular that it led to a movie in 2018. Additionally, Irving has voice-acted in episodes of popular shows like Family Guy.
SAN FRANCISCO CA – JAN.28: Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets practices ahead of the NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in San Francisco, Calif. (Santiago Mejia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Irving’s journey hasn’t been without its share of controversies. From his stance on vaccination, which he claims led to a loss of $100 million in salary and opportunities, to social media posts that drew criticism, he has often been in the limelight for reasons other than basketball. These controversies have had financial implications, such as the termination of his Nike contract.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 21: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets greets his father Drederick Irving after the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on October 21, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets won 109-105. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Away from the court and cameras, Irving is a father and has strong ties to his heritage. He became an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in 2021, honoring his Lakota lineage. Irving has also been vocal about various beliefs, sometimes leading to debates and discussions in the public domain.
Kyrie Irving’s net worth in 2023 is a testament to his skills, determination, and ability to leverage his brand. While his journey has seen highs and lows, both professionally and personally, there’s no denying that he remains one of the most influential figures in the world of basketball. As fans and followers, we can only wait to see what the future holds for this NBA star.
The NBA is reportedly launching an investigation into the Dallas Mavericks regarding questionable roster decisions the team made for Friday night’s 115-112 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The result eliminated them from Western Conference play-in contention.
“The NBA commenced an investigation today into the facts and circumstances surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ roster decisions and game conduct with respect to last night’s Chicago Bulls-Mavericks game, including the motivations behind those actions,” NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said Saturday afternoon.
Mark Cuban On The Sidelines
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 22: Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban reacts during a timeout in the game against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on March 22, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
Mavs head coach Jason Kidd described the move as an “organizational decision” after the game. He also said that it isn’t an example of his team forfeiting. “It’s not so much waving the white flag,” Kidd further explained. “It’s [that] decisions sometimes are hard in this business. We’re trying to build a championship team. With this decision, this is maybe a step back. But hopefully it leads to going forward.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told Phoenix Suns employees in October that tanking will be a serious issue from now on. “We put teams on notice,” he said per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. “We’re going to be paying particular attention to the issue this year.” The NBA previously fined Mavericks governor Mark Cuban $600,000 for publically admitting to tanking back in 2018. When asked about the idea of tanking, earlier this week, Cuban said: “The guys don’t want to do that. Players aren’t going to do that. Players don’t do that.” As it stands, the Mavs owe the New York Knicks a first-round draft pick. However, Dallas can retain it if it’s inside the top 10. The pick is the final payment for the Kristaps Porzingis trade.
Potentially losing their first-round pick isn’t the only worry for the Mavericks. Star guard Luka Doncic is reportedly also considering leaving the organization if the state of the team doesn’t improve. Tim MacMahon of ESPN reports that the 24-year-old will leave if the team doesn’t start competing for titles by the summer of 2024.
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