Christian Clark

Incredible Kyrie Irving performance: 46 points (16-26 FG). He scored 20 in the fourth quarter. Comes in a 126-122 Dallas loss to Portland. No Luka, P.J., Naji or Lively. Couldn’t get enough stops.

Kyrie made his first four shots. He went 2 of 17 the rest of the way. Mavericks, without Luka, beat the Suns 98-89 anyway. They're 7-2 without Luka this season. Dinwiddie and Kleber combine for 30 points off the bench.

Mavericks will go into their Christmas game against Timberwolves as winners in 14 of 17 games. They are 19-10. Daniel Gafford: 23 points (7-7 FG) in the Portland win. Career-high 14 FTA. Luka: 27-7-7 in 30 minutes.

Kyrie spent most of the first half as the primary defender on Harden. Thought he brought it defensively. Mavs held Clippers to 100.0 points/100 possessions in this game.

The Mavericks had a 31-44 record without Luka Dončić in his first six seasons.

They have a 6-2 record without Luka this season.

"Getting stops. Rebounds. Bringing the ball up. ... If they need me to fight, I’ll do whatever, man."

Naji Marshall brings an edge. The contract he signed was "relief" for a player who went undrafted. It was also motivation.

"This won't be the last one." www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

Mavericks appoint Rick Welts, NBA Hall of Fame executive, as CEO

Rick Welts was heavily involved in the Chase Center build in San Francisco. He'll be a big factor in a new arena project in Dallas.

“It was a big part of what we talked about. ... Rick’s vision for how we could build a new home for the Dallas Mavs.” www.nytimes.com/athletic/600...

In second return to Golden State, Klay Thompson puts up his best showing as a Maverick

Klay Thompson had his best game as a Maverick against his former team.

“As far as regular-season wins? It has to be up there.”

Klay's 7 3s helped the Mavs survive the Warriors' historic shooting performance and win for the 12th time in 14 games. www.nytimes.com/athletic/599...