Kyrie Irving’s Strong Max Christie Message After Luka Doncic Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks continued their strong post-Luka Doncic run with a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, improving to 5-1 in their last six games. Kyrie Irving returned to the lineup after missing the previous game against the Miami Heat and delivered a standout performance with 35 points, two rebounds, and four assists.

Max Christie, one of the key pieces in the trade that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, also made a significant impact in the win, finishing the night with 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. After Christie's impressive night, Irving revealed postgame that he was slightly "pissed" with the 22-year-old’s pregame routine.

Irving, who is known for getting to the arena early, was beat there by the young guard.

“Max beat me (to the arena) today. I was pissed, I was pissed,” Irving joked. “I was happy to see him, but at the same time, I gave him a side-eye, like, ‘You did this on purpose to motivate me.’ I thought I left my house pretty early today, then he's over here just sitting in his chair already, reading.”

Kyrie Irving's hilarious quote about Max Christie beating him to the arena today: "Max beat me today... I was pissed, I was pissed. I was happy to see him but at the same time... I gave him a side eye, 'you did this on purpose to motivate me.'

"I thought I left my house pretty… https://t.co/W6ejJN2LTM
— Joey Mistretta (@JoeyMistretta_) February 22, 2025

Irving also lauded Christie's professionalism and relentless drive for improvement.

“He listens very well and pays attention to detail," Irving added. "He wants to be great at what he does, and when somebody wants to do that, they’ll beat you to the arena early—like Max Christie did today.”

Max Christie beat Kyrie Irving to the arena today.

Irving gets to the arena before anyone else… he couldn’t remember the last player to do that outside two-way players. Irving was happy and pissed bc he thought he was the first one, Christie was sitting in the chair reading. pic.twitter.com/tKIelIsXzj
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) February 22, 2025

Christie played 46 games with the Lakers this season, averaging 8.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. However, since joining the Mavericks, his stats have surged to 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in seven games.

Dallas now shifts its focus to a matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday as it look to build on recent success. The Mavericks defeated the Warriors 111-107 in their last meeting.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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