Why is Kyrie Irving not playing against Kings? Latest on Mavericks superstar's absence (Dec. 30)

The Dallas Mavericks will face the Sacramento Kings on Monday without two of their top players. Kyrie Irving was a late scratch due to a right shoulder soreness, while Luka Doncic remains sidelined with the left calf strain he sustained on Christmas Day.

Irving's absence comes as a surprise, as he was not listed on the team's injury report following Sunday’s practice. It appears the star guard experienced discomfort in his shoulder on Monday morning.

Irving led the team's charge in their previous outing against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, a game that ended in a disappointing 126-122 loss to one of the league’s lottery teams.

Despite the loss, Irving delivered a spectacular individual performance. The former Cleveland Cavaliers star erupted for 46 points on 16 of 26 shooting, including 5 of 12 from beyond the arc. He also contributed two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block, though his efforts ultimately fell short of securing a victory.

Kyrie Irving on loss vs. Blazers

The Dallas Mavericks' loss to the Portland Trail Blazers was undoubtedly disappointing, even though Luka Doncic was sidelined. However, after the game, Kyrie Irving chose to focus on the positives, highlighting the team's resilience and ability to keep fighting even when facing deficits.

“We definitely could've done a better job keeping the game a lot closer," Irving said. "Being down like that, I don’t want to say it’s characteristic for us, but we’re used to it to a certain degree.

"Just being able to get out of holes like that and still give ourselves a chance to be in the game. Most teams would give up, especially on a back-to-back, throw the towel in. But for us, I think our identity is we don’t want to give up."

Meanwhile, Irving is having another superb season as he averages 24.6 points on 48.9% shooting, including 44.5% from 3-point range, along with 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game.