Watch: Kyrie Irving helps Mavs erase 31-point deficit in Game 4 vs. Clippers

With 1:36 left in the third quarter, Mavs guard Kyrie Irving came off a screen and drilled a 24-foot three-pointer, cutting the Clippers' lead to 78-76. L.A. — which led by 31 points in the second quarter — let momentum slip through its fingers.

Irving sparked the comeback attempt. Through three quarters, the eight-time All-Star had 26 points, five rebounds and four assists on 9-of-16 shooting. 

The Clippers eliminated the Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. However, they didn't have Irving, whom they acquired in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023. Before the series, Dallas guard Luka Doncic indicated Irving can help them get over the hump against L.A. 

Per The Athleic's Tim Cato, when asked why the Mavericks can beat the Clippers this time, Doncic said, "We have Kai."

Irving's proving Doncic right thus far. The Mavs lead the series 2-1, and the former champion has averaged 25 points on 49.1 percent shooting.