LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Kyrie Irving exploded for 47 points as the Boston Celtics notched their 16th consecutive victory with a thrilling overtime defeat of the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
Irving was in sensational form at the Mavs’ American Airlines Center, helping Boston overturn a late fourth quarter deficit before powering to a 110-102 win.
Irving’s haul included five three-pointers and three rebounds as Boston came back from 89-79 down with just over five minutes remaining in the final quarter to win.
Boston improved to 16-2 with the victory to head the Eastern Conference. Dallas fell to 3-15 with the loss.
The Mavericks, however, came close to a morale-boosting victory against the team setting the early season pace.
Harrison Barnes scored 31 points for the Mavericks to lead the home scoring, with Wesley Matthews adding 18 points.
J.J. Barea added 16 points while German veteran Dirk Nowitzki scored 14.
But the Mavericks efforts were in vain as Irving turned on the style to drag Boston over the line.
Jaylen Brown also made a hefty contribution with 22 points while Jayson Tatum had 15 and Marcus Smart 12.
It was Irving’s contribution that proved critical, however, as the former Cleveland Cavaliers star produced 10 points in overtime to seal the win.
© Agence France-Presse
