This is a different Kyrie Irving. Two feet firmly planted in the present, preaching inside Dallas’ huddle before running out before the world. He lavishes postgame affirmations to a largely inexperienced roster that follows each crafty step of his signature Anta sneakers — as they follow Luka Donu010diu0107’s dribble. At 32, Irving’s fourth stop of his 13-year NBA career has produced the exact circumstances his second pro situation was supposed to beget with Boston.
Irving’s Mavericks now face his former Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals that begin Thursday night.