Powered by Kyrie Irving‘s explosive performance, the Dallas Mavericks extended their winning streak to six on Wednesday. The team registered a conclusive 116-93 win over the San Antonio Spurs, thanks in huge part to Irving’s 34-point offensive attack to go along with seven assists and nine rebounds. Among hundreds of others in the American Airlines Center who watched Kyrie finish the game with a highlight-reel-worthy layup over Victor Wembanyama was his father, Drederick Irving, cheering for his son from the sidelines.

In the post-game conference, when asked how it feels to have his father courtside, Irving expressed, “My dad is proud of me. He is happy for me… My dad is a truly influential figure in my life.” Notably, his dad’s presence has been monumental to his success in the league. After his mother’s premature demise when he was just four years old, his dad raised him and his sister Asia all by himself. He even sacrificed his career, returning to the United States and giving up his professional basketball career in Australia, so Kai could pursue his basketball dreams. However, this journey sure wasn’t smooth sailing.

In his Life of Kai docuseries, the 8-time NBA All-Star unraveled his tough upbringing. He divulged, “My dad was extremely tough on me, just to kind of break me down to build me up.” However, it was his father’s strictness and discipline that encouraged him to work harder, ultimately shaping him into the premier ball-handler he is today. This fact was not lost on him when he remarked, “When we have our moments on how I can get better those are the things I appreciate, but the most important role he plays in my life is being a great father.” This isn’t the only time the Dallas Mavericks guard has acknowledged this.

Kyrie Irving gave his championship ring to his dad

Even though his dad couldn’t fulfill his basketball dream, Irving wants to ensure he does it for him. Throughout his career, he has worn No. 11, a number his dad wore back when he played. When he couldn’t get the number 11, he would improvise and switch to 2 (1+1). During a Nike ad in 2018, Kyrie revealed, “He is the reason I wear No. 11. I want to be the reason no one else will.

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Moreover, any accolade Irving has won in his career, he has gifted to his dad, yes, including his sole 2016 NBA championship ring. In an interview with Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com, he said, “I give my dad almost everything. So, every accomplishment, every MVP award, every trophy that I’ve had since I was probably about 13 or 12, I’ve given to my dad.”

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