The Dallas Mavericks and New Orleans Pelicans will go head-to-head in a road game on Wednesday night. With the NBA All-Star Game reserves set to be announced on Thursday, Mavs head coach Jason Kidd explained why he believes Kyrie Irving deserves a spot on the roster.

Kyrie Irving, returning after a one-game absence due to a back sprain, delivered a strong performance with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The tension on the court was palpable, with

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.