The trickle-down effect of Irving’s return changes the dynamic for Dallas’ backcourt play. Dinwiddie joined Irving in the backcourt and Naji Marshall returned to the bench. Jaden Hardy, who was in the midst of an offensive surge, was the first guard off the bench in Irving’s absence.

The Dallas Mavericks will be without star guard Kyrie Irving for the next few weeks. Irving suffered a bulging disc in his back and will miss at least one to two weeks. However, there is optimism that he will be able to return after undergoing treatment. NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN reported the news.