Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.

Dallas was missing Luka Doncic, but Kyrie Irving stepped up, offering 25 points. While Dallas isn't dominating this season, Doncic's extended injury is the main reason why. Once he returns to the floor,

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

Wednesday’s controversial loss to the New Orleans Pelicans was an example of Irving’s latest injury management because of a bulging disc in his back. Irving said Tuesday that he would “most likely” play in a game that was on the road after the Mavericks suffered a lopsided loss at home to Denver the night before.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed his first game of the season with a right wrist sprain as the Thunder fell short to the Mavericks on Friday night.

Oklahoma City plays the Dallas Mavericks after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points in the Thunder's 134-114 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie Irving got brutally honest on the Mavericks' brewing rivalry with the Thunder after Friday night's game.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a loud statement in ... guards -- well ahead of Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Anthony Edwards. “Personally, it feels good ...

The show must go on for the Dallas Mavericks even without Luka Doncic, but while they wait for their superstar guard, there are opportunities for players to step up.

Which 24 players will make the 2025 NBA All-Star Game next month in San Francisco? Here's our roster prediction.