Kyrie Irving returned from a six-game absence due to a sprained right thumb to score 23 points as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers 118-102 on Monday.
Josh Green added 20 points, Luka Doncic contributed 19, Jaden Hardy scored 17 and Grant Williams and Maxi Kleber had 14 apiece. Jason Kidd recorded his 300th career victory as an NBA coach.
Philadelphia played without reigning MVP Joel Embiid, who is expected to undergo surgery on the lateral meniscus in his left knee later this week. The Sixers are now 4-11 without Embiid this season.
Philadelphia was also missing De’Anthony Melton (back), Robert Covington (knee) and Nicolas Batum (hamstring).
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 19 points, Tobias Harris scored 17 and Tyrese Maxey had 15 on 6-of-16 shooting. Mo Bamba hauled in a game-high 10 rebounds.
The Mavericks pulled out to an 86-77 lead with 9:29 left in the fourth quarter when Kleber drove to the basket and scored.
When Hardy hit a 3-pointer to cap a 10-0 run with 8:21 remaining, Dallas led 92-77.
After scoring on 10 straight possessions, the Mavericks held a 105-85 advantage with 5:43 to go.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse opted to clear his bench for the remainder of the game.
Jaden Springer hit a tough shot in the lane with 4:26 left in the second quarter for a 50-40 76ers lead.
Doncic made a step-back 3-pointer to close the Mavericks within seven, 50-43, with 3:44 remaining.
Green’s trey from the wing with 1:35 to go cut the deficit to 55-51.
The Sixers led 57-53 at halftime thanks in large part to 12 points from Oubre.
Green paced the Mavericks with 15 points on 4-of-5 shooting, including a 3-of-4 effort from 3-point range.
In a defense-oriented third quarter, the Sixers went ahead 70-69 with 4:08 left when Oubre tipped in a Bamba miss.
Doncic dropped in a 3-pointer on the Mavericks’ ensuing possession to go back ahead at 72-70.
Dallas took a 77-74 advantage into the fourth quarter.
–Field Level Media