Kyrie Irving is one of the many NBA players currently fasting for the holy period of Ramadan, which restricts their food and drink consumption from sun-up to sun-down. The Mavericks are trying to keep this period as simple for Kyrie as possible, flying a private chef on road trips to ensure Irving gets vegan meals as soon as the sun goes down.
"Mavericks have been flying in a personal chef for Kyrie Irving to be able to have his vegan meals ready for him to eat once the sun goes down as he observes Ramadan as he continues to play per Brian Dameris on the Mavs postgame show on 97.1 The Freak."
Irving is devout in his beliefs and has been observing the Ramadan fast for a few seasons now. He's had some incredible performances while fasting, including the buzzer-beating game-winner he hit against the Nuggets earlier this week. Irving is a gifted talent and Dallas is ensuring he can perform optimally even while fasting.
Kyrie has overcome a slow start to the season due to injuries to become one of the Mavericks' most consistent players. He's averaging 25.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, seamlessly taking offensive responsibilities from Luka Doncic, and ensuring the team is doing well.
Kyrie Irving Reacts To Playing Through Ramadan
Kyrie Irving opened up on playing while fasting in the month of Ramadan after the Mavericks win over the Nuggets. Kyrie referred to him as having the ability to play basketball without food or water nothing short of a miracle, further reinforcing his belief in a universal God protecting him.
"Ramadan is a special month, so it's a special time. And yeah, it's just you try not to think about the suffering too much and really focus on the journey with God and the path that you're on. And just stay focused on that and stay disciplined. It's a difficult journey and to be able to play 48 minutes and not do it with having a drink or any food in my stomach is nothing short of a miracle. So there's definitely a universal God out there that's protecting me and I got to give credit to him."
Even Luka Doncic commented on Kyrie playing through this period, frankly admitting that he couldn't do the same.
Even with Ramadan, the Mavericks are rolling right now. They just picked up their sixth win in their last seven games tonight, with Kyrie saving the day as Luka had the worst shooting night of his career with 18 points on 6-27 shooting. Irving ended the night with 28 points, leading the Mavs to a 113-107 victory over the Spurs.
More must-reads: