Kyrie Irving — an expert in rivalries — agreed that the Thunder and Mavericks have become arch-nemesis. “It’s personal. I think it’s the start of a healthy rivalry," Irving said. "... We’re gonna be seeing them a lot over the next few years so it’s good that you set the precedent now what it’s gonna be like.

The Dallas Mavericks slide down the Western Conference continued after an injury-stricken Mavs fell 105-110 to the tanking Charlotte Hornets. Kyrie Irving was the only star available for the Mavericks but his 33-point performance couldn't vault the Mavs to a win tonight against LaMelo Ball and the Hornets.

Irving is listed on the injury report as he continues to deal with a lumbar back sprain. Meanwhile, Dereck Lively II (right ankle sprain), Luka Doncic (left calf strain) and Dante Exum (right wrist surgery) are all out for Friday's game. It is worth noting that Mavs head coach Jason Kidd previously said he expects Irving to play on Friday.

That decision forced the Thunder to stick close to the Mavericks' role players throughout the first quarter. Once Washington scored the first five points, Irving asserted himself and drained a 3-pointer before finishing at the basket with a finger roll to give the Mavericks an early 10-0 lead.

When the Charlotte Hornets tipped of their Monday afternoon contest against the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA world was treated to a first-class point guard duel between LaMelo Ball and Kyrie Irving. The matchup lived up to its pregame buzz.