Kyrie Irving put on a show Monday night, tallying 32 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 129-119 road victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite missing Luka Doncic for a third straight game due to a wrist strain, the Mavericks relied on Irving’s brilliance and a strong supporting cast to secure their fifth win in six games.
Irving, quiet through the first half with just 10 points, erupted in the second, taking over the game during a pivotal fourth-quarter stretch. His 14 points in just three minutes turned a 104-103 deficit into a 118-109 lead, sealing the victory for Dallas.
Hardy and Marshall Shine in Starting Roles
Jaden Hardy, making his first start of the season, recorded a season-high 23 points, while Naji Marshall added 22 points, proving the Mavericks’ depth in Doncic’s absence. Spencer Dinwiddie also chipped in 22 points, giving Dallas a balanced scoring effort against a Hawks team that struggled to contain their ball movement.
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Hawks Struggle Despite Johnson’s Big Night
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Trae Young contributed 18 points and an impressive 16 assists. However, the Hawks couldn’t capitalize on their full-strength lineup or two days of rest, falling for the fourth time in five games.
Atlanta’s defense had no answer for Irving’s late-game heroics, and their inability to control Dallas’ supporting cast left them playing from behind during the decisive moments.
Key Moments and Takeaways
The game turned in the fourth quarter, where Irving showcased his scoring versatility with mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and drives to the basket. This stretch not only gave Dallas the lead but also highlighted Irving’s ability to carry the offense without Doncic.
For the Mavericks, Hardy and Marshall’s combined 45 points were a significant boost, demonstrating the team’s resilience despite being in the middle of a grueling 15-game stretch with 11 on the road.
For the Hawks, the loss was particularly disappointing given their recent struggles. Despite Johnson’s standout performance, they failed to take advantage of Dallas playing the second game of a back-to-back, compounded by their defensive lapses in the final period.
Mavericks Show Depth Without Doncic
Even with Luka Doncic sidelined, the Mavericks showcased a deep rotation capable of stepping up when needed. Irving’s leadership and the team’s balanced attack are promising signs for Dallas as they navigate a tough schedule.
Meanwhile, Atlanta continues to struggle to find consistency, raising concerns about their ability to compete against top-tier teams in the East.
Up Next
The Mavericks (13-7) return home to host the New York Knicks on Wednesday, aiming to extend their strong start to the season. The Hawks (9-11) face a daunting challenge as they play a home-and-away series against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, starting Wednesday in Cleveland.
With Irving red-hot and Dallas finding production across the roster, the Mavericks look primed to maintain their momentum. The Hawks, however, will need a more cohesive effort to snap out of their recent slump.
