Luka Doncic cheers as 'amazing' Kyrie Irving shines on Dallas ...

Kyrie Irving came out charging in his Dallas debut, keying a big run to open the game and sparking his new teammates in front of a cheering Luka Doncic on the bench.

Irving scored 24 points and the Mavericks never trailed in their victory over the Los Angeles Clippers 110-104 on Wednesday night.

“It felt good to get this debut out of the way,” Irving said. “It’s just been a long 96 hours, barely any sleep sometimes. It’s the first time I ever got traded in the middle of the season, so it was new for me, but I’m excited that I’m here.”

With Doncic still sidelined by injury, Irving meshed well with his young teammates just three days after the eight-time All-Star was traded from the Brooklyn Nets. He was part of a 13-0 spurt early in the game, scoring eight points on a jumper and back-to-back three-pointers.

Doncic was succinct when asked for his thoughts on Irving’s Mavs debut. “Amazing,” he told ESPN.

Irving had four rebounds and five assists in 37 minutes of what amounted to a dress rehearsal before Doncic returns to give the Mavs a powerhouse backcourt. Irving was greeted with cheers and a boy holding a sign welcoming him to the team when he was introduced as part of the starting lineup.

“I’m sure when No 77 [Doncic] gets back it’ll be even more enjoyable to see and play out there,” Irving said.

The Mavs scored 41 points in the opening quarter while shooting 60% from the floor. They outscored the Clippers 21-9 to start the game, propelled by Irving’s offense.

“He makes things look easy,” Mavs coach Jason Kidd said. “The comfort level he feels with us, you could see it in the game. He is at peace with his basketball game.”

Irving was asked after the game about the trade that brought his former Nets teammate Kevin Durant to Dallas’ Western Conference rivals, the Phoenix Suns, on Wednesday night.

“I’m just praying for his happiness, praying for his well-being,” Irving said. “We had a lot of conversations throughout the year of what our futures were going to look like. There was still a level of uncertainty, but we just cared about seeing each other be places that we can thrive – whether that be together, whether that be apart. There’s never been one moment where I felt like he’s been angry at me for decisions I’ve made or I’ve been angry at him. We just tried to understand each other a lot better and grow as human beings, grow as brothers.

“This business changes so quickly. He’s getting a little bit older. I’m getting a little bit older. I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference, and I welcome all that. Get to see him a little bit more, probably playing against Phoenix a lot more, and that’s what I’m looking forward to. Everything else in between – I’m just glad that he got out of there.”