Mavericks’ Kyrie Irving still can’t believe he’s back after lengthy injury absence

On Wednesday night, Kyrie Irving played in his fourth game back after missing the entirety of the 2025-26 season while recovering from a torn ACL. The Dallas Mavericks have now won two consecutive games to climb above .500, with Irving putting up 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field in their 120-96 victory over the shorthanded Oklahoma City Thunder at home. Irving lives and breathes basketball, and being away from the NBA court for so long due to injury has issued a reality check for the 34-year-old veteran.