Kyrie Irving loses shooting competition to actor Michael B. Jordan in Abu Dhabi

Dallas Mavericks look Kyrie Irving participated in a 3-point duel against an actor Michael B. Jordan on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and lost by a narrow margin after three rounds.

Irving, 31, did not play in the Mavericks’ second preseason game against the Mavericks. Minnesota Timberwolves, both defeats in Abu Dhabi. However, he took the court in the first match, but scored only two points in 14 minutes of play.

Jordan, 36, and several other stars attended both games. He called out Irving during Game 2, and the Mavs star didn’t flinch.

Irving instantly stood up, despite being dressed in street clothes, and challenged the Creed actor. Both men landed their shots in the first two rounds, but Jordan landed another shot in the third.

NBA The veteran took the defeat in stride, raising Jordan’s hand in the air as a referee would do for a winning boxer.

Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic connection

Luka Doncic was available in both games and became the Mavs’ leading scorer for the first time behind a teammate. Jaden Hardy in Saturday’s game.

Doncic, 24, and Irving never seemed to get along last year when the latter was traded to Dallas midseason.

Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd Both stars started in the first preseason game, but they were rarely on the court at the same time.

It appears Kidd’s strategy heading into the 2023-24 NBA season is to balance the minutes of his two stars, giving each of his ball-dominant players their time to shine.