Kyrie Irving has played five of Dallas's six games this season, and he leads the rotation in efficiency while carrying a heavy share of the offense. His job is to stay the steady second option next to Cooper Flagg as the Mavericks try to extend a three-game winning streak.
Volume without the waste
Irving averages 21.4 points and 4.8 assists across five games this season, in 28.6 minutes. He shoots 52.7% from the field and 39.0% from three on 8.2 attempts, and he has not missed a free throw. That is a small sample, so the percentages will move. Still, the shape is clear: a 26.2% usage rate with a 67.1% true shooting mark is a high-volume scorer who is not burning possessions. His assist percentage is 27.9% against 2.2 turnovers a game, so he creates as well as finishes. He scored 35 in the 116-111 win over Houston, with Flagg adding 33.
The lineup that works
Dallas has one starting group with a track record so far: Irving, P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Max Christie and Flagg. In five games and 40 minutes together, that five is a plus-6.6. Irving's own ratings agree: 117.6 offensive, 109.6 defensive, plus-8.0 net. The team as a unit sits at 114.1 offense and 111.3 defense, a plus-2.9, so Irving's numbers run ahead of the club's. Forty minutes is thin evidence, but it matches the 4-2 record and the winning streak. Washington and Gafford give him room, and Flagg, at 26.8 points a game, draws the defensive attention first.
Paid like the second star
Irving's $39.5M is the biggest contract on Dallas's books, and his 2027-28 year of $42.4M is a player option. The Mavericks are $197.9M in payroll against a $200.4M tax line, so every dollar of that deal has to return value. He is not on the injury report now, though his knee status swung between day-to-day and cleared from October 25 through October 28, and he has played five of six games. The verdict: Irving must be the efficient scorer who takes the pressure off Flagg and stays available. If he holds this shooting against a Kings defense rated 122.6 on Monday, Dallas has the veteran it paid for.
How is Kyrie Irving playing for the Mavericks this season?
Irving averages 21.4 points and 4.8 assists in five games, shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.0% from three. His 67.1% true shooting mark is strong, though it covers only five games.
What is Kyrie Irving's contract with Dallas?
Irving earns $39.5M in 2026-27, the largest salary on the roster. His 2027-28 salary is $42.4M and is a player option.
