by SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Kyrie Irving (Standing Rock Sioux) scored 29 points in his return to the starting lineup, but the Dallas Mavericks’ second-half comeback came up one point short in a 112-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night at Frost Bank Center.
Irving started and played 36 minutes, shooting 9-of-27 from the field, 5-of-14 from three-point range and 6-of-8 at the free-throw line. He added 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal with just 1 turnover, in his first game back after sitting Monday against Sacramento for left-knee management.
Dallas trailed 32-26 after the first quarter and 68-51 at halftime. The Mavericks outscored San Antonio 29-22 in the third quarter and 31-22 in the fourth — 60-44 after the break — but could not finish the comeback.
Naji Marshall scored 22 points and P.J. Washington added 21 for the Mavericks.
Victor Wembanyama poured in 52 points to lead San Antonio. Dylan Harper added 21 points and Stephon Castle scored 17 for the Spurs, who improved to 6-2 with their sixth straight win. Dallas falls to 4-4.
The Mavericks return home to host the Utah Jazz on Friday, Nov. 6.
