LeBron James was simply in awe of Kyrie Irving’s incredible layup in the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday. In the first quarter of the contest, Irving switched hands mid-air as he finished at the rim, and James was stunned.
Irving just continues to amaze with how crafty he can be with the ball in his hands. There isn’t anyone who has a better layup package than the 31-year-old, and it is always a pleasure to see him go to work. LeBron even once said Kyrie is the best player ever with the ball in his hands, and he might well be.
Irving ended this game against the Suns with 29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal as the Mavericks won 123-113. Dallas has now won seven games in a row to improve to 33-23 on the season.
The Mavericks look like quite a formidable unit ever since they acquired Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline. Gafford’s rebounding and Washington’s defense have helped them tremendously.
They are great complementary pieces to have next to Irving and Luka Doncic, who had 41 points, 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 steals on the night. Dallas is now the sixth seed and is starting to look like a real threat in the West.
As for LeBron, he missed the Lakers’ game on Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors with an ankle issue. The 39-year-old had missed the last game before the All-Star break against the Utah Jazz as well, and while LA managed to win that contest, they lost 128-110 to the Warriors here to drop to 30-27.
James, who is averaging 24.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game this season, will, in all likelihood, return to the lineup for their next game against the San Antonio Spurs, as per Lakers head coach Darvin Ham.
Allen Iverson Believes Kyrie Irving Is The Greatest Ball-Handler Ever
For the longest time, Allen Iverson had been regarded as the greatest ball-handler of all time. The man himself believes that is no longer the case, as Iverson says Irving is the greatest ball-handler ever.
“[Kyrie Irving] is the best. Steph [Curry] handle is crazy. Steph, his jumper gets you over. He [crosses] half-court and can let it go. (Kyrie) has the best handles ever. Kyrie will have you beat and then bring it back and play with it, he toys with people. He can still just go, but if he feels like playing with you.”
It does seem at times that Irving is just toying with his opponents. His skill level is off the charts, and his former teammate, Kevin Durant, believes Irving is the most skilled player in NBA history. Durant thinks there is nothing Kyrie cannot do with a basketball and added it is also a testament to how hard he works.
The Mavericks would just be hoping that Irving can stay healthy the rest of the way. The eight-time All-Star is averaging 25.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in 2023-24 but has only managed to play in 34 games. In the 22 games he has missed this season, the Mavericks are just 11-11.
