In a thrilling matchup, Kyrie Irving showcased his scoring prowess with a season-high 44 points, leading the short-handed Dallas Mavericks (23-16) to a narrow 128-124 victory over the New York Knicks (22-16).

Despite missing key starters, including Luka Doncic, the Mavericks, fueled by Tim Hardaway Jr.’s 32 points, fended off a late surge from the Knicks.

Julius Randle led the Knicks with 32 points, while former Maverick Jalen Brunson marked his return to Dallas with a 30-point performance. Donte DiVincenzo added 19 points.