Kyrie Irving's new role is exactly what Mavericks need for a surprise Finals push

After a lengthy All-Star break, the Dallas Mavericks finally returned to action on Friday night in a long-awaited game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Mavs not only featured newly signed 10-day player Moses Brown, but Dallas also ground out a 111-103 win that ties them with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in race.

With the Mavericks dealing with many injuries to key players at the center spot, the team is put in a stranglehold position that will make or break their season. March 6 has been a date Jason Kidd has hinted at for a possible first evaluation of Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II, and Daniel Gafford.

Assuming Davis avoids surgery, the team could be at full strength by the end of March if the Mavericks don't suffer any more setbacks and Gafford and Lively II make speedy recoveries. Despite this positive outlook the Mavericks must stay afloat with the limited names on their roster and this will mean, Kyrie Irving continues to dominate in his bigger role on the floor.

Irving's dominance will make or break Mavs' shot at winning title

It's no secret when Dallas traded Luka Doncic that Kyrie Irving would be one of the team's only offensive creators. With this in mind, the Mavericks knew this would put a large amount of pressure on Irving's shoulders to carry the bulk of the offense.

To make matters worse, Davis was one of the few players who could've taken the reigns of the offense from Irving and helped get Irving's usage down. After getting injured in his debut game, Davis' absence put even more pressure on Irving to carry the Mavericks offense.

Over his last three games with Davis sidelined, there has been a visible change in Irving's demeanor when on the floor. Irving has not only taken more advantage of his time playing, but his aggression has elevated his game to a new level.

In the last three games, Irving is averaging 35.7 points and shooting 48.7 percent from behind the 3-point line. While numbers only go so far, Irving has no doubt proven he can lead the Mavericks to the playoffs despite the limited number of players available at his disposal.

Irving's aggression and leadership have not only gained him notoriety from fans but from teammates as well. Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has become one of his many teammates who looks up to his leadership.

"Kai is the true leader for this team," Washington said. "Obviously it shows on the court, but in the locker room he's encouraging guys, he's encouraging guys to take the right shot."

Irving has embraced being Dallas' leader since the Doncic trade; however, his play on the court may not be sustainable for the remainder of the season.

At 32 years old, Irving still has plenty left in the gas tank, but with limited help and being one of the team's few ball handlers, Irving's play may prove not to be as sustainable as fans realize. Despite this negative outlook, Irving has shined in his role and has elevated the Mavericks into a new spotlight.

Dallas has won eight of their last 10 games and Irving has been a huge reason for the Mavericks' success over the last few weeks. If the Mavs expect to make a deep playoff run once again, Irving will need to continue to carry this team for as long as Davis is sidelined.