SALT LAKE CITY — Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks guard, did not participate in Thursday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz due to a strained right shoulder. This absence marks a notable change for the Mavericks, particularly considering Irving’s performance this season.

In the 11 games he has played thus far, Irving has been a key contributor, averaging 25.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. His efficiency has been impressive, shooting at a 54.5% rate from the field and an exceptional 54.1% from beyond the arc.

With Irving sidelined, Quentin Grimes stepped into the starting position. While Grimes has been working to establish himself, his current averages stand at 5.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. The Mavericks will be looking for a strong performance from him to help offset the loss of their star player.

As the season progresses, the Mavericks will need to monitor Irving’s recovery closely to determine when he can return to action and help support the team’s overall performance.