Kyrie Irving scored 25 points as the Dallas Mavericks brought the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder down to earth with a 106-98 victory over the Western Conference leaders on Friday. Oklahoma City, riding high after their rout of Eastern Conference pace-setters Cleveland on Thursday,

The trickle-down effect of Irving’s return changes the dynamic for Dallas’ backcourt play. Dinwiddie joined Irving in the backcourt and Naji Marshall returned to the bench. Jaden Hardy, who was in the midst of an offensive surge, was the first guard off the bench in Irving’s absence.

The Dallas Mavericks are set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night. Kyrie Irving did not play in the Mavericks’ 119-116 defeat against the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday, but will the Mavs star return on Friday?

The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a crucial game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with star guard Kyrie Irving's status uncertain due to a lumbar back sprain. Luka Doncic remains sidelined with a left calf strain,