On December 29th, Beijing time, the Mavericks played their second back-to-back game without Luka Doncic, who continued to be absent and will be re-evaluated in a month. The Blazers once led by as many as 21 points, but Kyrie Irving refused to give up and went on a furious scoring spree in the second half. In the final quarter, Irving scored 20 points, unwilling to concede defeat, but unfortunately, the comeback attempt fell short, resulting in a regrettable 122-126 loss. American media wrote: "Kyrie, say help me again!"
Due to it being the second game of a back-to-back, the entire team was somewhat fatigued, having just flown from Phoenix to Portland. It seemed that only Irving had his energy levels intact. In the first quarter, Irving shot 6 for 4 with 1 three-pointer made, scoring 9 points. He took advantage of a screen and immediately launched a shot, while the Mavericks as a team scored only 25 points in the first quarter, with their defense collapsing, allowing the Blazers to score 36 points.
It was an all-out offensive battle. Sharpe scored 16 points in the first half, Simmons had 10, Grant had 6, Ayton had 14 points and 7 rebounds, Avdija had 11, and Henderson had 12. By halftime, five Blazers players had already scored in double figures. Irving single-handedly challenged the entire Blazers team, shooting 9 for 5 with 1 three-pointer made, scoring 15 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block in a single quarter. By halftime, Irving had already accumulated 24 points.
In the third quarter, Irving faced various double teams and chases, managing only 1 for 4 shooting with 0 three-pointers made, scoring 2 points, 2 steals, and 1 rebound. The Blazers continued to expand their lead in this quarter. Irving's teammate Clay shot 3 for 10 with 2 three-pointers made, feeling off, while Dinwiddie shot 3 for 10 with 4 three-pointers made. With Washington and Marshall suspended, it was tough for Irving.
In the final quarter, Irving continued to battle with a 15-point deficit, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to close the gap. With 5 minutes and 16 seconds remaining, the deficit had been reduced to 5 points. Ayton and Sharpe then scored another 4 points to widen the gap again. Besides Irving, no one else was scoring, and the defense could not contain the Blazers. Irving continued to draw fouls and made two free throws. Dinwiddie finally hit a three-pointer, but Kidd's challenge failed. In the final quarter, Irving shot 7 for 6 with 3 three-pointers made and 5 free throws made, scoring 20 points and 1 assist. Unfortunately, the comeback attempt failed.
In the entire game, Irving played for 38 minutes and 38 seconds, shooting 16 for 26, with 5 three-pointers made and 9 free throws made, scoring 46 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block, with a shooting percentage of 61.5%, a three-point percentage of 41.6%, and a true shooting percentage of 76.8%.
Written by Yan Xiaobai: A tribute to Irving