Latest news with #KyrieIrving
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fever start fast without Caitlin Clark, hang on for 94-86 win over Wings and Paige Bueckers
Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, left, talks with Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith, front, and Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard, back, compete for the ball during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever players, from left, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark react on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, left, talks with Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith, front, and Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard, back, compete for the ball during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever players, from left, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark react on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) DALLAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 32 points, and the Indiana Fever held on without the injured Caitlin Clark, taking a 22-point lead in the first quarter before finishing off a 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Clark's left groin injury spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the WNBA draft. The game was the first at the home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for the Wings, who took Paige Bueckers first overall this year. Advertisement The Wings, who are planning a move to downtown Dallas in the next couple of years, have played about 20 miles away on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington since moving to the area nine years ago. Bueckers sparked a rally by beating the first-half buzzer with a long 3-pointer after a steal and finished with 27 points despite a cold start from the field. The Wings took a lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23 in the first half, but couldn't overcome 26% shooting in the first 10 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 for Dallas. Aliyah Boston scored 21 points and Natasha Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds and three steals for the Fever, who made all 11 of their shots from inside the 3-point arc in the first quarter and shot 59% for the game. Advertisement The absence of Clark, who missed a second consecutive game after sitting out five earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, didn't keep the crowd or the pro sports stars away. The 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was nearly full, and among the fans were nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks, star pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old Flagg was drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke by the Mavericks on Wednesday, a little more than two months after the Wings selected Bueckers. Flagg, who got a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board in the third quarter, was introduced to the Dallas media earlier Friday. Cade Cunningham, a Dallas-area resident and the No. 1 overall choice by the Detroit Pistons four years ago, sat near Parsons. Advertisement Even with all the star power, there were plenty of Clark — and Fever — backers in the crowd, delighted by the quick start with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on the bench in street clothes. The Wings took their only lead at 80-79 on JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Aari McDonald started a clinching 9-0 run for the Fever with a bucket that broke an 82-82 tie. ___ AP WNBA:
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Cooper Flagg shares courtside moment with Kyrie Irving for the first time at Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever game just days after NBA Draft
Cooper Flagg shares courtside moment with Kyrie Irving. Image via: Dallas Mavericks/ X No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft 2025, Cooper Flagg, has finally gotten the chance to meet Kyrie Irving . The Dallas Mavericks veteran hugged his future teammate, Flagg, and had a candid conversation. 'Nice to meet you,' said Cooper while hugging Irving, who turned heeds at the Dallas Wings vs Indiana Fever. It appears that Irving has already welcomed Cooper, long before their meeting in the Mavericks locker room. Cooper Flagg met his future teammate Kyrie Irving for the first time Just days after hearing his name called at the 2025 NBA Draft, Cooper Flagg was already soaking in the atmosphere of his future home court from a suite at the American Airlines Center. The Duke standout, who went to the Dallas Mavericks, was spotted attending Friday night's WNBA matchup between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever. But the real highlight came when he met one of the city's biggest names, Kyrie Irving. Flagg and Irving crossed paths during the Wings game in a suite above the action. The brief but meaningful exchange was captured in a video posted by the Mavericks. It's a fitting start to what Dallas fans hope becomes a strong on-court relationship. Both players share notable similarities. They were each selected first overall in the NBA Draft, and both proudly represent Duke University on their basketball résumés. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Now, they'll share the Mavericks locker room. Of course, it would take a while for them to share the floor. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving is expected to be sidelined until at least January 2026 after tearing his ACL in March. Irving recently signed a new three-year, $119 million deal with Dallas, finalized just one day before the team drafted Flagg. While Flagg's future was the center of excitement off the court, the action on it nearly delivered a dramatic finish. The Dallas Wings staged a fierce comeback after trailing the Indiana Fever by 20 points, ultimately falling short 94–86. Rookie sensation Paige Bueckers stole the show for Dallas, tallying 27 points, six assists, and zero turnovers in 36 commanding minutes. Her performance lit up the arena, but it was her courtside moment with Kyrie Irving that went viral. Irving, sitting courtside with his daughter, greeted Bueckers after the buzzer. 'He's been my favorite player forever now,' Bueckers had said during her rookie presser in April. 'I'm super excited to be in the same city as him. Hope I can learn a lot from him.' The WNBA's official X account captured the exchange with the caption, 'That Dallas love. Paige and Kyrie link up after the Fever-Wings game!' Also Read: Kyrie Irving fires up after Paige Bueckers hits buzzer-beater three for Wings against Clark-less Fever Flagg's handshake and Bueckers' courtside moment showed the unity in the city's basketball divisions. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fever start fast without Caitlin Clark, hang on for 94-86 win over Wings and Paige Bueckers
Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, left, talks with Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith, front, and Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard, back, compete for the ball during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever players, from left, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark react on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, left, talks with Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban during the first half of a WNBA basketball game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith, front, and Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard, back, compete for the ball during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever players, from left, Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark react on the bench during the first half of a WNBA basketball game against the Dallas Wings Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) goes up for a basket against Dallas Wings center Li Yueru (28) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 27, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) DALLAS (AP) — Kelsey Mitchell scored 32 points, and the Indiana Fever held on without the injured Caitlin Clark, taking a 22-point lead in the first quarter before finishing off a 94-86 victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday night. Clark's left groin injury spoiled what was supposed to be the first meeting of the past two No. 1 picks in the WNBA draft. The game was the first at the home of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks for the Wings, who took Paige Bueckers first overall this year. Advertisement The Wings, who are planning a move to downtown Dallas in the next couple of years, have played about 20 miles away on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington since moving to the area nine years ago. Bueckers sparked a rally by beating the first-half buzzer with a long 3-pointer after a steal and finished with 27 points despite a cold start from the field. The Wings took a lead in the fourth quarter after trailing by 23 in the first half, but couldn't overcome 26% shooting in the first 10 minutes. Arike Ogunbowale scored 15 for Dallas. Aliyah Boston scored 21 points and Natasha Howard had 15 points and 13 rebounds and three steals for the Fever, who made all 11 of their shots from inside the 3-point arc in the first quarter and shot 59% for the game. Advertisement The absence of Clark, who missed a second consecutive game after sitting out five earlier this season with a quadriceps injury, didn't keep the crowd or the pro sports stars away. The 20,000-seat American Airlines Center was nearly full, and among the fans were nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving of the Mavericks, star pass rusher Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Cooper Flagg. The 18-year-old Flagg was drafted No. 1 overall out of Duke by the Mavericks on Wednesday, a little more than two months after the Wings selected Bueckers. Flagg, who got a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board in the third quarter, was introduced to the Dallas media earlier Friday. Cade Cunningham, a Dallas-area resident and the No. 1 overall choice by the Detroit Pistons four years ago, sat near Parsons. Advertisement Even with all the star power, there were plenty of Clark — and Fever — backers in the crowd, delighted by the quick start with the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year on the bench in street clothes. The Wings took their only lead at 80-79 on JJ Quinerly's three-point play midway through the fourth quarter. Aari McDonald started a clinching 9-0 run for the Fever with a bucket that broke an 82-82 tie. ___ AP WNBA:
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mavericks Linked to Ex-Lakers Star After Kyrie Irving News
Mavericks Linked to Ex-Lakers Star After Kyrie Irving News originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After suffering a season-ending ACL injury back in March, there was a bit of uncertainty regarding Kyrie Irving's future with the Dallas Mavericks due to him having a $43 million player option to decide on this offseason. Luckily for Dallas, Irving chose to decline his player option to sign a three-year, $119 million contract to stay with the team (h/t Shams Charania of ESPN). Advertisement Now that their first big move of the offseason is complete, the Mavericks will look to continue bolstering their roster, which will likely include top prospect Cooper Flagg, who most believe the team will select No. 1 overall during Wednesday's draft. However, per the latest reports, the Mavericks have other moves in mind, including landing a former Los Angeles Lakers star. Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7), guard Kyrie Irving (11), and forward P.J. Washington (25).Jerome Miron-Imagn Images After missing out on the playoffs last season following their NBA Finals appearance in 2024, the Mavericks will look to get back to the big stage, and it all starts with making the right moves in the offseason. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Dallas Mavericks are interested in Brooklyn Nets free agent guard D'Angelo Russell. Furthermore, Stein reported that the Mavericks are "now regarded as a leading suitor" for the former Laker. Russell began the 2024-25 season as a member of the Lakers before getting traded back to Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith. On the year, Russell averaged 12.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1 steal per game. Advertisement If the Mavericks were to land Russell, they would most notably reunite him with Anthony Davis, who the team acquired from the Lakers in the blockbuster trade involving Luka Doncic. As Dallas looks to become a playoff team once again, their offseason moves are going to be crucial to monitor, which may include adding Russell into the mix. Related: Lakers Eyeing Trade for Specific Player to Pair with Luka Doncic Related: Atlanta Hawks Player in Kristaps Porzingis Trade Posts Immediate Reaction This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Cooper Flagg at point guard? A possibility for a ‘sponge' on a veteran Mavs roster
DALLAS — In Jason Kidd's rookie season, players in their early 20s populated the Dallas Mavericks' roster. Between 1992 and 1994, the Mavericks picked in the top five of the NBA Draft three times in a row. They chose Jim Jackson (No. 4 pick, 1992), Jamal Mashburn (No. 4 pick, 1993) and Kidd (No. 2 pick, 1994). At the start of Kidd's first year in Dallas, they were 24, 22 and 21 years old, respectively. Advertisement The 1994-95 Mavericks' inexperience prevented them from being as competitive as Kidd would have liked. They went 36-46 and missed the playoffs. 'When I was drafted, we were maybe the youngest team,' Kidd said Friday. 'We just didn't have a lot of vets.' The situation Cooper Flagg enters in Dallas will be much different. Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Klay Thompson are all future Hall of Famers in their 30s who've already won championships. 'There's not a better situation for him to learn the game on and off the floor,' Kidd said of Flagg, as the Mavericks introduced their No. 1 pick during a Friday-afternoon news conference. Flagg agreed. 'I think it's a blessing. A lot of people in this position, this situation, aren't granted this opportunity,' Flagg said. 'I'm looking forward to being a sponge.' It's good that Flagg has that mindset because Kidd sounds ready to give him plenty of responsibility right away. Kidd, who was one of the greatest point guards in league history before moving to the sidelines to coach, said he wants Flagg to get reps at his old position. 'I want to put him at point guard,' Kidd said. 'I want to make him uncomfortable and see how he reacts. Be able to run the show. Be able to play (shooting guard). Play (small forward). He's comfortable playing that. We want to push. I think he's going to respond in a positive way.' At the college level, Duke coach Jon Scheyer entrusted Flagg to bring the ball up the floor and get the team into its offense. Flagg averaged 4.2 assists per game for the Blue Devils. His 156 assists were 41 more than his next-closest teammate. Flagg has a lot of offensive polish for such a young player. It's easy to imagine him driving into the lane and serving up lobs to Davis like he did for Duke teammate Khaman Maluach. Flagg's playmaking ability will be needed on a team that will be missing its best ballhandler and advantage creator for a significant chunk of next season. Irving tore his ACL in March and isn't expected to return to action until 2026. Big men Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II are all locks to be in the Mavericks' rotation next season, as is P.J. Washington. The Mavericks believe all of them can coexist. Advertisement On Wednesday, general manager Nico Harrison told a story about Washington attending Flagg's pre-draft workout in Dallas. 'I said, 'P.J., think you guys can play together?'' Harrison said. 'He said, 'Oh yeah, we can play together.' I don't see any jealousy. I think guys are excited to play with (Flagg).' The Mavericks only have one standard roster spot open going into the start of free agency next week. They are expected to use their $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception to sign a guard. Malcolm Brogdon, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 who spent last season in Washington, is one name to watch, according to league sources. D'Angelo Russell is another. NBA reporter Marc Stein called the Mavericks a 'leading suitor' to sign Russell. There is mutual interest between Dallas and the 29-year-old guard, according to league sources who have spoken with The Athletic. 'You can't replace Kyrie,' Harrison said. 'Our goal is to try to get a piece that will bridge the gap while he's out.' Harrison added, 'Not really worried about someone who can run the offense. I think we have enough guys who will be able to handle the ball and play multiple positions. (We need) someone to get us organized.' Luka Dončić annually had one of the highest usage rates in the NBA in his 6 1/2 seasons in Dallas, and for good reason. He is one of the brightest offensive talents in league history. The Mavericks were a top-10 offensive team four times with Dončić driving the ship. 'I think we'll be different than in the past,' Harrison said. 'You have multiple guys who can handle the ball, multiple guys who can get you into the offense. I think you'll see us playing at a faster pace.' Flagg is expected to be one of those ball handlers. The 18-year-old from Newport, Maine, was 4 years old when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Irving with the No. 1 pick in 2011, and he was five years old when the New Orleans Hornets chose Davis No. 1 in 2012. Flagg acknowledged Friday he had no memory of either of Irving's or Davis' college careers. 'He's very lucky to have veterans,' Kidd said. — The Athletic's Dan Woike contributed to this report. (Photo of Nico Harrison, Cooper Flagg and Jason Kidd: Jerome Miron / Imagn Images)
